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Post by lynette on Mar 22, 2021 19:23:55 GMT
Might well be less. Factors such as transport, parking and cost begin to matter. As far as the virus is concerned, then full vaccination and probably further vaccination due to variants before really feeling ‘free’.
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2,389 posts
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Post by peggs on Mar 22, 2021 19:25:42 GMT
Now in the old days people would tell me I went to the theatre so much, I reckon at most maybe twice a month over a year and probably less and I would protest that I knew people going all the time and they wouldn't believe me. It was you guys!
I don't feel like I've saved much this last year, I have made the choice to give more than I would have done in the past and spend in little independent shops etc which costs more but seems for me a choice I opted to make.
I think about 50% of my visits used to be with a friend of mine who I just can't see going that much any more. The last year or so before all this we had found ourselves less enthusiastic about some of the things we saw, less access to cheaper but fairly decent seats and just plain unwilling to pay some of the higher prices. So without them and their speedy fingers and 'good luck' at getting tickets I suspect I just won't have the opportunity to go as much.
This has made me realise how much I enjoyed theatre and what joy that brought me but also the reflection that I saw things sometimes just because I could or yes to somehow tick something off.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2021 19:41:25 GMT
I think that for some of us it becomes almost like a collector hobby like stamps, paperweights, teddy bears 🧸, locomotive numbers etc. By which I mean that there’s a tendency to see things simply to tick them off. In fact “I’m pleased I ticked it off” was a phrase often seen on this very forum pre-covid. If people want to treat theatre as a ‘completist’ hobby then that’s fine, good luck and enjoy. I’d see pretty every musical in Manchester and every musical at the Hope Mill simply to say I did it. But I don’t think it’s going to be the same moving forward You hit the nail on the head. "I'm pleased I ticked it off" - SO many of us used to say that on this forum! (God, it feels like a different lifetime lol) I agree for me, it was a collector hobby in a way. Any West End open ended run musical I had to see. In fairness for a long time this served me well. In the 90s and much of the 00s I really did love the vast majority of stuff in the West End. But less so of late. And Covid has made me review this. So yes, ticking it off isn't a good enough reason now. It's one of the very very few good things to have come out of this mess for me. |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 22, 2021 19:47:40 GMT
For me it will very much depend on prices. If they all go up and no or fewer deals/day seats, etc. are available, I will probably go less, but if deals and day seats continue to be around, I will probably get back to my usual 3-4 shows a week, provided there is stuff I want to see. And I am definitely a repeat visitor person, if I like a show and I can get cheapies, I'll happily see it once a month or more. So my hunch is that if everything opens on time, certainly for the non socially distanced stuff, there will be deals galore from August. A quick look at any of the seating plans show massive availability for everything really. Now of course it's very early days and you can't judge how full they'll be now. But with nearly all the big musicals re-opening, and with tourism (which in London counts for so many sales) probably still minimal, that's a lot of seats to fill. (I don't think there are any open ended run musicals that have said they won't re-open? Which is wonderful news. But I do wonder what the demand from the GBP will be. Probably a topic for a separate thread....) |
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Post by David J on Mar 22, 2021 22:00:54 GMT
I began to be picky before the pandemic
After a decade of seeing endless theatre, going to London to see two shows on a saturday and perhaps an evening during the week and popping off to the nearby regional theatres I'm at the point where it feels unappetising.
Partly because the young person discounts have dried up. But also after seeing so many productions even the good ones feel the same. I'd happily give four stars to a play but inevitably I'll forget it until I look it up and think to myself 'oh yeah, I enjoyed that'. Anything below that I'd rather avoid. Mind you I'd rather see something bad rather than seeing a three star average production because its at least memorable.
It's going to take something with either some outstanding acting, direction and design to make the travel and money worth it. Course I'd like to see a revival of a Shakespeare, Ibsen or a play/musical I like. Otherwise...
Times have changed as well. Going to Stratford-upon-Avon was a reoccurring holiday to see all the RSC productions but nowadays their output is bland and not worth it. Elsewhere, I went to see the original Les Miserables nearly every year, partly to see the current cast but just for the experience of seeing that turntable and hulking barricades.
The last performance of the original felt like a closing of a chapter for me.
Lockdown has also given me the opportunity to do other activities like a long walk on a saturday.
Was the last decade worth it. Hell yeah.
Am I going to miss those days of endless theatre. Yes. Am I going to miss some hidden gems. Sadly yes which pains me. But I can't face the possibility of seeing a half a dozen productions to find that. Which is why I have this forum to help me.
But you know what I want to see when theatre opens? Come From Away and Anything Goes. Something that will cheer me up immensely. And I look forward to another Christmas Carol at the Old Vic.
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Mar 23, 2021 1:16:08 GMT
Having seen 289 shows in 2019, mostly musicals, and having not only survived but thrived, I had aimed to equal or exceed that in 2020 - and was on 67 as of 16 March when curtains went down. I intend to try again in 2022 if opportunities return to previous levels.
I think there will be few amateur musicals in 2021, which usually make up almost half of my shows, but I intend to take advantage of as many special offers as possible once theatres reopen as well as book a front row seat at all my favourites and most new musicals all over England and Wales.
This may seem excessive but I'd argue that if one's circumstances allow it's no different than watching a film or a football match on TV almost every day. I consider that if you enjoy something a lot, and that pleasure does you no harm, you shouldn't ration yourself, especially in the final decades of life.
I miss the travel, mainly by train, almost as much as the shows. I'm planning a trip from Kent To Bury Lancashire in July to see an amateur My Fair Lady matinee if it goes ahead, returning same day.
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152 posts
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Post by alnoor on Mar 23, 2021 7:32:52 GMT
This pandemic has been an eye opener
I used to love going to the theatre
In the past I have gone from UK to USA just for theatre shows
Now,
I live in Manchester so the thought of train travel to London, tube travel, crowds, costs all now seem unnecessary and uncomfortable
I hope to keep enjoying walks with my partner and our dog and carry on with the cooking and gardening that I have done
Once things have eased my plans for travel will only be to see my family in Nottingham
If masks have to be worn in the future, any travel will be in my car but no theatre with masks
Regarding theatre——-I have LOVED seeing all the shows, actors and theatres. NT, RSC, Donmar, Almeida, Royal Exchange all hold very special memories.
However, at present it feels like I have got theatre out of my system
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Post by talkingheads on Mar 23, 2021 9:02:48 GMT
Of course it's not just theatre. Half my life was spent at Soho Theatre and other clubs around London watching comedy, not to mention the Edinburgh Fringe. I might not start going to the West End straight away but I will absolutely go to comedy clubs as soon as I can.
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4,988 posts
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Post by Someone in a tree on Mar 23, 2021 9:07:11 GMT
I keep frantically checking WoS in the hope of some exciting news but more non news about Carrie H-F, Cinderella and the reopening of Lion King is not floating my boat = credit card is still firmly wedged in this Yorkshiremans pocket
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2,859 posts
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Post by couldileaveyou on Mar 23, 2021 11:26:33 GMT
I'm actually still waiting for them to announce something exciting, because so far there have been announcements only for tourist-traps and McMusicals
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2021 11:40:09 GMT
I'm actually still waiting for them to announce something exciting, because so far there have been announcements only for tourist-traps and McMusicalsLOOOOOOOOOOOOOL I'm using that one! |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 23, 2021 11:50:21 GMT
Seriously though, as mentioned previously, I suspect we'll be seeing a lot of safe theatrical shows for a while including some heavy Z-list casting on the touring circuit.
Jason Manford, Wendy Peters, That guy from Blue, they'll all be packing their bags for few months on the road soon.
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2,859 posts
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Post by couldileaveyou on Mar 23, 2021 11:51:44 GMT
I'm actually still waiting for them to announce something exciting, because so far there have been announcements only for tourist-traps and McMusicalsLOOOOOOOOOOOOOL I'm using that one! Oh I wish it were mine! It was theorized by Blaine Allan in the 90s in response to the megamusicals of the 80s. But it's a brilliant definition |
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Post by ruby on Mar 23, 2021 18:56:11 GMT
I was hoping for lots more theatre, but the admin already involved with booking dates that have recently gone on sale, then were taken off again (I'm looking at you Hairspray and Mary Poppins) is doing my head in.
Saying that, I have just booked Pretty Woman for Sept in the hope that won't be moved
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Post by Cleo on Mar 23, 2021 19:49:42 GMT
Living near to Stratford I will go to the new outdoor RSC Garden Theatre for Comedy of Errors. Otherwise I will wait until confident in returning to indoor theatre. The feeling with work colleagues is no desire to rush to pubs, restaurants, venues etc. Social anxiety may also be a factor for those who have stayed indoors for a considerable time.
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Post by Forrest on Mar 23, 2021 22:47:57 GMT
This is a great question... To which I don't have a good answer just yet.
In some way, the pandemic has made me realise that I'm much pickier as an audience member than I thought I was: I was so looking forward to some theatres doing anything at all, and then when they announced their pandemic repertoire I realised it just wasn't for me, it really didn't get me particularly excited. Too much sitting at home has also made me more aware of how fragile and insecure everything is (and how old I really am) and that I should save more money, so that might be a factor too. On the other hand I cannot wait to go back to be swept off my feet by something random and unexpected, and that definitely won't happen if I stay at home. (But I am craving actual, wonderfully designed, complex plays with more than one actor on stage and definitely less than two meters between people!)
In the week just before the UK went into the first lockdown I remember taking a night bus in the wind and rain on a Thursday, after a full day at work, to see my second show at the Vault that week (which I'd promised to review), and thinking to myself: "Why am I doing this, when I would prefer to stay at home?".
I know I don't want to repeat that, so I'll likely slow down a little, but I do miss theatre terribly so I guess my personal task for when theatres reopen will be to find the right balance. I also might go to the theatre slightly less to be able to see more concerts, because music has been my lifeline over this past year.
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Post by theatreian on Mar 23, 2021 23:03:15 GMT
It also depends where you happen to live and how much is accessible nearby without the expense of travel and hotels. Initially I will probably be going less and will see how it pans out before having the expense of London trips with the travel and hotels that accompany it. Once it seems safe etc will probably go to London for a night of 2 longer so can catch more shows in one go.
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Post by Phantom of London on Mar 24, 2021 1:40:18 GMT
I will not miss shows being announced, then followed in brackets (online).
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Post by Deleted on Mar 24, 2021 9:14:50 GMT
Having seen 289 shows in 2019, mostly musicals, and having not only survived but thrived, I had aimed to equal or exceed that in 2020 - and was on 67 as of 16 March when curtains went down. I intend to try again in 2022 if opportunities return to previous levels. I think there will be few amateur musicals in 2021, which usually make up almost half of my shows, but I intend to take advantage of as many special offers as possible once theatres reopen as well as book a front row seat at all my favourites and most new musicals all over England and Wales. This may seem excessive but I'd argue that if one's circumstances allow it's no different than watching a film or a football match on TV almost every day. I consider that if you enjoy something a lot, and that pleasure does you no harm, you shouldn't ration yourself, especially in the final decades of life. I miss the travel, mainly by train, almost as much as the shows. I'm planning a trip from Kent To Bury Lancashire in July to see an amateur My Fair Lady matinee if it goes ahead, returning same day. Wow that's incredible. That's a lot! But yes I 100% agree that if you have the means and still enjoy it, what better way to spend your time :-) Do you mind if I ask how you have coped with lockdown then? I see nowhere near that amount but I have really struggled not being able to see musicals! |
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Post by joem on Mar 24, 2021 23:26:20 GMT
Probably the same for a while. I was almost at maximum capacity given my time restraints. When I retire in a couple of years I'd like to see more theatre of course.
However, it will depend on what is staged. I am not so addicted that I feel the need to offload my money to whatever is staged, however presposterous or shoddy it might be. I can see myself seeing more and more fringe theatre.
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Mar 24, 2021 23:50:47 GMT
Having seen 289 shows in 2019, mostly musicals, and having not only survived but thrived, I had aimed to equal or exceed that in 2020 - and was on 67 as of 16 March when curtains went down. I intend to try again in 2022 if opportunities return to previous levels. I think there will be few amateur musicals in 2021, which usually make up almost half of my shows, but I intend to take advantage of as many special offers as possible once theatres reopen as well as book a front row seat at all my favourites and most new musicals all over England and Wales. This may seem excessive but I'd argue that if one's circumstances allow it's no different than watching a film or a football match on TV almost every day. I consider that if you enjoy something a lot, and that pleasure does you no harm, you shouldn't ration yourself, especially in the final decades of life. I miss the travel, mainly by train, almost as much as the shows. I'm planning a trip from Kent To Bury Lancashire in July to see an amateur My Fair Lady matinee if it goes ahead, returning same day. Wow that's incredible. That's a lot! But yes I 100% agree that if you have the means and still enjoy it, what better way to spend your time :-) Do you mind if I ask how you have coped with lockdown then? I see nowhere near that amount but I have really struggled not being able to see musicals! I guess like most of us I've got used to a different way of life over the last 12 months and lockdown hasn't really bothered me. I've kept occupied with my various collections, sold loads of stuff on eBay, discovered the wonders of You Tube (not just for musicals but also classic TV and travel & transport) and there are always DVDs to watch or re-watch. Also I love the TV channel "Talking Pictures TV". I haven't paid for any streaming though. |
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Post by properjob on Mar 25, 2021 8:01:36 GMT
This is an interesting thread and it has caused me to try and answer it for myself. I've come to the conclusion that I'm not sure and assume it will be about the same. I was a prolific theatre goer beforehand (mutiple times a week) and assume I will be again afterwards. I went to see mutiple shows when London theatres were allowed to operate in the autumn. I also went to practically everything in Nottingham Playhouse's socially distanced season. (I live in Nottingham)
I am therfore used to wearing masks for the entire show and travel so that would not phase me at all. (I don't need glasses which proably helps). I did avoid the tube but used surface trains and buses.
I don't have that much booked for the future but that is mainly because it has all got so complicated with rescheduling that I need to wait for the box offices to open properly and then ask them what I've already got booked before I start filling in the gaps!
What I think will change is with the rise of Sunday matinees my London theatre going will increase as I will easily be able to have a three show weekend which feels much better value.
Also in the year before the lockdown I had started going to Manchester to see more things as it is much much cheaper than seeing them in London and I think that will continue.
I've enjoyed streamed shows but they aren't a patch on the real thing. I have signed up to the national theatre at home combined membership thing but that was at least in part to support the theatre. I will proably chose to watch new NTlives at home rather than go to the cinema.
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Post by HereForTheatre on Mar 25, 2021 10:36:53 GMT
Even before this I'd made a decison to cut back a bit and be more savvy as I already knew I was spendinf way too much on this. Lockdown and the lack of theatre and seeing just how much money has been saved by not being able to go was a real shocker though, I just don't think after this I could justify myself going back to pre covid levels. I don't think it means a LOT less theatre, because I wasn't seeing anywhere near as much as some of you guys anyway, but it does mean I think being a little more ruthless in what I choose to see, less of the ticking off that had been creeping in. But the main thing actually is just HOW I consume theatre more than the how much I consume it. I admit I was way too extravegant before in terms of what seats I would have to have and what hotels I would have to stay at and ALWAYS buying a programme. These things always made my trip far more expensive than they need to be and can justify to myself now. When Theatre is back for me it will be about editing down what I see but mainly being more econimical and savvy and less picky about things.
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Mar 25, 2021 15:23:45 GMT
Just to add a little to my previous response on this interesting and quite thought-provoking thread.
Up to about ten years ago I wouldn't have considered myself a particularly active theatre-goer. Maybe 5-10 musicals a year with partner and children, shows like Oliver, Chitty and Joseph, the usual family fare. I lost both my parents within just over a year, they were in their eighties and each passed after just a very short illness. I then inherited a significant six figure sum. Fortuitously I was already mortgage-free.
My parents had 20 reasonably healthy and very happy years together after my dad retired but led a quiet simple life and they rarely went further than nearby towns with their bus passes. Neither ever drove, nor do I. Mum passed first and dad settled into a routine where he spent most of his last year watching football on Sky. He always loved football and while he missed mum desperately I can say confidently that his lifelong love of the "beautiful game" (which I most definitely don't share) became his raison d'etre. He died at home on a November Saturday morning and was talking about that day's games just hours before his peaceful passing.
From then onwards I started to go to musicals more frequently and that's increased each year from 2011 (29 shows, 17 of them on my own) to 2020 (289, about 200 alone). A key moment for me was when I saw My Fair Lady at Bristol from a front row seat. I only booked front row because it was low priced (very high stage there) but there was something special for me being so close to the performers. I'm determined to spend my remaining years (I'm 65 now) doing what I enjoy most, which is seeing musicals from a seat in the stalls as close to the centre of the front row as I can get !
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Post by FrontrowverPaul on Mar 25, 2021 17:13:38 GMT
Just to add a little to my previous response on this interesting and quite thought-provoking thread. Up to about ten years ago I wouldn't have considered myself a particularly active theatre-goer. Maybe 5-10 musicals a year with partner and children, shows like Oliver, Chitty and Joseph, the usual family fare. I lost both my parents within just over a year, they were in their eighties and each passed after just a very short illness. I then inherited a significant six figure sum. Fortuitously I was already mortgage-free. My parents had 20 reasonably healthy and very happy years together after my dad retired but led a quiet simple life and they rarely went further than nearby towns with their bus passes. Neither ever drove, nor do I. Mum passed first and dad settled into a routine where he spent most of his last year watching football on Sky. He always loved football and while he missed mum desperately I can say confidently that his lifelong love of the "beautiful game" (which I most definitely don't share) became his raison d'etre. He died at home on a November Saturday morning and was talking about that day's games just hours before his peaceful passing. From then onwards I started to go to musicals more frequently and that's increased each year from 2011 (29 shows, 17 of them on my own) to 2020 (289, about 200 alone). A key moment for me was when I saw My Fair Lady at Bristol from a front row seat. I only booked front row because it was low priced (very high stage there) but there was something special for me being so close to the performers. I'm determined to spend my remaining years (I'm 65 now) doing what I enjoy most, which is seeing musicals from a seat in the stalls as close to the centre of the front row as I can get ! My reference to 2020 theatre-going in the above post should of course read 2019 |
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