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.

Prague is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, and the historic centre has been included in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites since 1992. For those wishing to experience the night-life, Prague offers a vast assortment of venues to suit most people’s tastes and is one of the cheapest places to go out in the EU. Perhaps the best reason to visit Prague however is to experience the theatre.

Prague’s strong tradition of theatre has played a significant part in preserving and developing the Czech cultural identity. Today the National Theatre consists of three artistic ensembles devoted to opera, ballet and drama, who alternate their performances between the historic buildings of the National Theatre, the Theatre of the Estates and in the Kolowrat Theatre. The venues select their repertoire from the rich Czech heritage as well as modern local and international works.

The National Theatre was opened in 1881 to honour the visit of Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. Despite experiencing a disastrous fire shortly thereafter, a national collection was quickly set up to rebuild it, and The National Theatre became one of the most important Czech cultural institutions, being maintained by the most distinguished personalities in Czech society. The theatre recently hosted a Gala Concert to mark the jubilee of its 125th season, which includes such works as ‘Norma’ by Vincenzo Bellini and ‘Carmen’ by Georges Bizet.

The Estates Theatre was built during the late 18th century in response to the Enlightenment school of thought regarding general access to theatre and how theatres demonstrated the cultural standards of a nation. The building itself was constructed in a Neoclassical style and remains one of the few European theatres to be preserved in its almost original state to this day. One of the Estates Theatre’s many claims to fame is its strong link with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, who directed the world premiere of his opera ‘Don Giovanni’ there in October 1787. The Estates Theatre currently offers performances of ballets, dramas and operas with the focus of the opera company on the work of Mozart.

The Kolowrat Theatre was long part of the Theatre of the Estates’ administrative building, but was opened for performances in 1991 with a performance of Felix Mitterer’s ‘Visiting Hours’. The extensive loft has been sensitively restored and is mainly used for works of intellectual seriousness.

Tickets for performances are available online from several vendors and the venues’ ticket offices, but travellers are advised to book tickets in advance as performances can sell out quickly. Prague is serviced by the Ruzyne International Airport, a flight destination for most of the pan-European budget airlines. From there travellers can catch a bus, shuttle or arrange private transfer to get to their final destination with ease. Hotels in Prague can be booked online in advance, which is recommended, especially as prices for accommodation can be up to twice as high during peak season, which roughly runs from April to October.

So whether you prefer opera, ballet or drama, make the trip to Prague to experience the best that theatre has to offer.