Theatre Virgin!

[Stainboy]

Some people are surprised that at 28 years old I've never been to the theatre. It wasn't that it isn't my thing, it's just it's never happened, had someone else suggested it I'd have never said no. I guess you get into a rut of not knowing how to go about doing something you don't know anything about.

 

So I'm popping my cherry next month and seeing Little Shop of Horrors. I always said I'd love to see that on stage so it makes a good first try for me.

 

Any theatre going tips? eg. I've already booked my tickets for the balcony but where's good to sit for next time? Any show recommendations? Is it something you can go to alone? Do people dress a bit smarter? Do you sing along to the songs?

[Lyceum]

Hi Stainboy,

 

Little Shop of Horrors is sure to be a great show. There's no theatre etiquette as such and certainly no dress code. Some shows allow people to singalong, it all depends on the audience. People can go alone or in groups - we do a 25% discount for groups of 10+ for most shows and a flexible, buy now pay later scheme.

 

Check out the Sheffield Theatres website for more info on what's coming up and I hope you enjoy the show!

[millhouses24]

I got all excited when I saw the thread title. Then I saw the "Theatre" bit. But I'd started replying so I thought I may as well finish.

 

I lost my theatre virginity around six years ago. 1984. That wasn't six years ago, that was what I watched.

 

1. I go on my own. In fact, I prefer going on my own because firstly, I have no friends, and secondly, I can see just what I want when I want. I have never experienced people pointing and laughing at me for this. Or maybe I'm just too used to it to notice now.

 

2. It's generally a stress free experience. Buy ticket, turn up, enjoy. People tend to be quite posh and civilised. But I'm allowed in so you can't generalise. Occasionally you sit next to annoying people who move and make noise. But short of sticking a pitchfork into their head to dissuade them I'm not sure how one can deal with that.

 

3. I've only had a chance to see one production in Sheffield - A Tale of Two Cities - that was excellent. Theatre in Sheffield, like the city itself, rocks. Except I would never say this to anyone from outside Sheffield in case they decide to move here and spoil it all. Manchester and Leeds also have thriving theatre scenes if you are able to go further afield.

 

On the topic of theatre, does anyone know what is happening in Sheffield with the "free tickets for young people so they will love Labour" scheme? Has anyone actually got a free ticket yet? I want one. Now if not sooner.

[Stainboy]

You wouldn't be that excited by the prospect of me being a virgin so it was better it was about theatre going, trust me

 

I've got used to going to the cinema on my own, I think my cineworld pass paid for itself for the whole year when I moved up in October (I wasn't working). But when I've been to the cinema alone I've been able to sit by myself and it's dark. Is it as dark in the theatre so that you can forget you're alone? I suppose nobody talks during the show but what about before and after? I won't be alone for my first one (wouldn't have gone otherwise!) and I'll be able to tell whether I want to go alone again. And I'm going with someone who's far from a virgin... and she's been to the theatre a bit too, zzzing!

 

A friend of mine was about to tell me about the free cinema tickets until she remembered I was too old and promptly shut up in an "I've unintentionally rubbed how old you are these days in your face" kind of way Tis a bummer though, why couldn't they have done it a few years ago?

 

I might wear a shirt at least since I don't get to dress smart for anything at the moment. Or at least not turn up in my pants.

[SHsheff]

Keep an eye on the threads, there's a meet organised to The Tempest in April if you fancy it.

 

In the meantime, enjoy Rocky Shop of Horrors. And good for you for trying it on your own!

[chinaski]

Theatre going - tis a strange thing. Generally, the rules of civil society are reversed. Thus, similarly to the burp after a meal, standing up and shouting "get yer corset off luv" mid soliloquy is actually, in fact, encouraged.

 

Like The Fool in Shakespeare, the audience is actually viewed as an essential participant, as such the omniscient commentar of the scenes below. Hence, whilst witnessing any scenes of violence, any man in the audience who rushes the stage and decks the villain, is aptly rewarded, if you know what I mean, by the female assistant. That is the origin of the term 'stage hand'.

 

Phones? Turn the volume up and let ring.

 

Werthers original? Suck away. The louder the slurp, the greater the appreciation.

 

Mid interval drinks. Get ratted. The man who stands up and hollers, "I need a slash. Where's the fookin kazi?" is held as in high esteem as the playwright.

 

And lastly, regarding dressage, don your "Oscar may be Queer, but Chekhov ain't no Lear" t-shirt. It's what passes as humour amongst theatre goers.

 

Good luck.

[Stainboy]

Keep an eye on the threads, there's a meet organised to The Tempest in April if you fancy it.

 

In the meantime, enjoy Rocky Shop of Horrors. And good for you for trying it on your own!

 

Oh I'm not, a friend is coming up to visit and coming with me. But since I don't know many people here, going alone might be something I'll have to do in the future.

 

Maybe on the meet, how many people usually go? I'd have to meet some people first I think as I wouldn't want to be stressed and meeting new people is one of the most stressful things of all

[adysheff]

Chinaski - I think I remember you from my days at the Lyceum.... lol

 

To the OP, I hope you enjoy it, theatre going can be great fun and is not really as high class as it used to be, you don't have to dress up unless you want to, just sit back, relax and have fun! You might find the seats in the Balcony a bit tight, for future use I'd recommend mid stalls or if you want to splash out first 5 rows of the circle as the most comfortable places but if you get the right show that won't really matter anyway. I'm going to Little Shop too, should be a fantastic show if previous productions are anything to go by. And of course you can sing along - just not too loud! Lol. As to going alone I don't see that would be a problem at all, chat to the staff if you're feeling lonely - they're all very friendly :-) It is dark in the theatre so nobody will be pointing and whilst people don't really talk through the show there are the bars for before, interval and after for a bit of socialising. Hope this helps, enjoy the experience!

[SHsheff]

Oh I'm not, a friend is coming up to visit and coming with me. But since I don't know many people here, going alone might be something I'll have to do in the future.

 

Maybe on the meet, how many people usually go? I'd have to meet some people first I think as I wouldn't want to be stressed and meeting new people is one of the most stressful things of all

 

Regarding the meet - check out the thread. Post that you're interested. Say that you'd like to meet up with someone beforehand. Someone will, without doubt, offer to swop phone numbers and/or meet up! Honestly, it'll be a really easy experience, and before the evening ends you'll feel that you've made some new friends.