3. Theatre world

Theatres, music halls and cinemas are very much the same in every city of our country or abroad. The best theatres are usually situated in the capitals. But there are good actors, singers, musicians and dancers in every provincial town.

A person who frequently goes to the theatre is called a theatre-goer. There are many people who love and visit different kinds of theatres. Theatres, opera, ballet, comedy, drama, variety show, review and musical comedy are the best way of spending the leisure time. The best seats at the theatre are in the stalls and the dress circle. The most expensive are boxes. The cheapest seats are in the pit and the gallery.

People who are fond of music and singing prefer to go to the opera. Those who are not interested in music can choose drama or comedy. The spectators enjoy the plot, the acting of their favourite actors and actresses, costumes, scenery and so on. Tickets can be bought beforehand at the box-office of the theatre or at one of the agencies.

Task I. Answer the questions.

1. Where are the best theatres usually situated?

2. Where are the best seats at the theatre?

3. Which of them are most expensive?

4. Who prefers to go to the opera?

5. What do the spectators usually enjoy at the theatre?

6. Do you prefer to buy tickets beforehand?

7. Are there many people nowadays who prefer to go to the theatre?

4. Drama, music, opera and ballet in britain

London is the centre of theatrical life in Britain. A great number of principal professional theatres are situated in or near the West End.

The oldest concert hall in London is the nineteenth century Albert Hall. Well-known foreign musicians give performances there when they are in London. The Albert hall saw very many outstanding conductors. London’s most acoustically perfect concert hall is the Royal Festival Hall, which is part of London’s modern Cultural Centre.

The National Theatre stages classical and modern plays. The Royal Shakespeare Companies present Shakespearean plays in Stratford-on-Avon and a mixed repertoire in London. There are many non-repertory theatres outside London. They present all kinds of drama and put on variety shows.

The level of the repertory companies has been constantly growing in the recent years. They have financial support from the Arts Council and the local authorities. The repertory companies employ leading actors, producers and designers. Some of these companies have their own theatres.

The concerts of “pop” music, folk music, jazz, light music, and brass bands are very popular in Britain. Classical music and performances of opera, ballet and chamber music also attract large audiences. There are regular seasons of opera and ballet at the Royal Opera House and Covent Garden in London. The permanent orchestra of the Royal Opera House plays for the Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet. These companies have regular London seasons and perform in provinces. They have a high international reputation and often make tours abroad.

Amateur theatres are very popular in Britain. There are several thousands of amateur dramatic societies there. Amateur youth theatres play a significant role in the cultural life of the country. Almost every British University has active amateur drama clubs and societies.