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.

As it becomes increasingly easier and cheaper to travel from one area to another, people in today’s modern world have started taking a number of weekend breaks to various parts of the country. Individuals and couples, both young and old, have begun travelling more often through a variety of mediums – be it by train, coach or aeroplane; many people these days are just as likely to spend a weekend in Rome or Madrid as they are in Blackpool or Cornwall. However, as weekend break locations have evolved, they have also become more imaginative; a rising number of people are taking mini-cruise breaks, weekend golf breaks, and even weekend theme park breaks.

One form of weekend break which is rapidly gaining popularity is the theatre break. More and more frequently, travel agents and travel companies are offering theatre break packages to London, Edinburgh, Stratford-upon-Avon and even Paris. The London theatre scene is flourishing at the moment and is perhaps the best location in Britain if you’re thinking about taking a weekend theatre break. From the long running musical of Disney’s The Lion King to the 2006 stage adaptation of the Oscar-winning movie Dirty Dancing, people keen on theatre breaks in London have more than a few excellent options to choose from on the West End stage.

The Lion King is current playing at London’s Lyceum Theatre; seen by over 30 million people at over 18,000 performances world wide, the show contains over 232 puppets which represent 25 species of animals. While The Lion King remains one of the most popular shows in London’s West End, many of the shows currently playing have a similarly enduring appeal. Billy Elliot, for example, is currently being shown at the Victoria palace Theatre and has been a popular musical in the capital for many years. We Will Rock You, a musical by Queen and Ben Elton, followed hot on the heels of the success of Mamma Mia and continues to play to packed crowds at the Dominion Theatre in Tottenham Court.

Other popular musicals playing in London’s West End include Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre, Mary Poppins at Prince Edward Theatre, Guys and Dolls at the Piccadilly Theatre and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s all time classic, The Phantom of the Opera, playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre. You can find fantastic deals on London theatre breaks from a variety of sources, including travel agents and transport providers like National Express. Theatre buffs looking for exciting weekend breaks will also enjoy Shakespeare theatre breaks in Stratford upon Avon, the bard’s home town. You can also take delight in Edinburgh’s vibrant theatre scene, where you’ll be able to enjoy some excellent classic and modern productions at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, the Edinburgh Festival Theatre and the Brunton Theatre, among many others.

Andrew Regan is a freelance online journalist.