Ensemble Theatre Group

Been to the theatre recently? Maybe a performance of Evita? Or maybe a rock musical?

Do you think those travelling shows are as good as the original shows in the west end?

There are some beautiful Theatres around the country particularly here in the northwest well suited to staging performances from the greatest performers and writers. The Liverpool Empire, The Manchester, Palace Theatre are two outstanding original Victorian establishments capable of rivaling any West End stage. These beautiful theatres should not just be reserved for the Panto at Christmas or the latest travelling kids show. Its nice to see them full to bursting as they were intended, the music filling the auditorium and the applause sounding down every corridor out onto the street.

The income generated by travelling shows allows regional theatres to stage there own shows bringing new writers and new performers to the attention of the general public, so this is an argument definitely on the plus side for theatre loving people.

I love going to the theatre and when the curtain raises and your in your seat in anticipation of the orchestras first note I guess it matters not where you are whether its the Liverpool Empire or the Palladium London. Hard to discount the effort afforded by the producers of these shows when they try to bring the same quality of performance while they take their shows on the road.

What about London theatre then? Does it create that tingling feeling when you hold those tickets in your hand, or there a certain amount of London snobbery when it comes to a comparison with regional theatres? I do admit to a certain amount of snobbery when it comes to going to London. In todays cut price world I still think that a theatre experience should be something that happens occasionally and something to be savoured like a good wine.

After years of theatre going I have come to the conclusion that even though the travelling production offers the general public a taste of London theatre life its never quite as spectacular as in its original place or origin. Its so difficult to take those huge sets on the road or to entice those huge stars we see in the west end to travel the country. Maybe there is an argument to allow young talent to arise though the travelling production but this rarely happens. I always think its better for a regional theatre to stage its own productions and not relying on guest performances. Of course the added bonus of a full theatre when these productions arrive is what keeps many of these theatres alive and without travelling shows there are few who would be able to see those magnificent shows that grace the West End stages.

Do yourself a big favour and go to the the theatre, you might be surpised on how much you enjoy yourself wether you visit a regional production or a major performance at one of Londons top theatres.

One of the most important aspects of a home theatre doesn’t even involve the TV, the DVD player, the projectors (if chosen) or even anything electronic. What good is having the best home theatre in the entire neighborhood if everyone has to sit on metal folding chairs to enjoy it? Finding comfortable but appropriate seating not only allows a solid level of comfort throughout any viewing event, but it also enhances the entire home theatre experience.

Obviously cheap metal folding chairs you can buy for $10 at Wal-Mart are probably not your best choice for home theatre seating. That would actually be a major whiff. The choices for various home theatre seating options are extensive, and each has some solid merit and may depend on how many people you generally plan on having over to enjoy the system.

Some people like movie theatre type chairs to give it an authentic experience, while for others a comfortable sofa of several recliners is as good as it gets. Don’t limit your options, either. This is your home theatre system, and you should get not only seating that works well for the look and feel of your system, but seating that you will legitimately enjoy using. If you want recliners, you can even consider massage recliners, high quality (i.e. not dragged off the corner after college lets out for the summer) top of the line recliners.

Home theatre seating is important because if you aren’t comfortable while watching a great home theatre system, then what’s the point of the rest of it? It doesn’t matter how good the rest of the system is because no one will be comfortable watching anything. In fact, the right home theatre seating is arguable almost as important as the sound and picture quality of the home theatre itself! If you don’t like the idea of a couch in a home theatre set up, consider a series of recliners in a row. Not only do you get the amazing comfort of recliners, but by having them lined up in a row you can still have the effect of a theatre setting.

If you’re still confused as how to choose appropriate home theatre seating, consider the following check list:

* Is it comfortable?
* How many are usually going to be here? A lot, or only a few?
* Is the room big enough so no one is crowded?
* Do you have the budget to create the theatre you want with the furniture you want? Do you need to downgrade slightly?
* With recliners, can you still see everyone from a relaxed position? Can everyone else?
* Do you have full support?

These are important questions, and if you can answer all of them confidently, then congratulations, you’re on your way to an excellent home theatre set up that you, your family, and your friends are going to enjoy immensely. Above all, find what’s right for you, since no matter how social you are, this is, in the end, for you to enjoy.