Has it been a while since you last went to the theatre? Or perhaps you’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing a live performance in this way.
Well, this is your sign that it’s time to book tickets and go and see a play right away.
For so many reasons this is an elite art form and a wonderful way to spend a day or an evening. But just in case you’re not sold, here are nine reasons you should go and see a play this year.
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It’s a great day out
Let’s start with the most obvious reason. A play is a form of entertainment and no matter what you go to see, it’s a wonderful experience. So, although we’ll get into some of the deeper reasons to see a play after this, let’s take this at face value for a second.
A play is a good, fun form of entertainment and an excellent way to pass the time. As you watch the play, you’ll laugh, cry, gasp and be swept away on a journey, and what better way to spend your free time?
To diversify your passions and tastes
Do you love murder mysteries or the tales of Shakespeare? Maybe you’re a history buff or you love satire and comedy.
Then the theatre has something for you.
Too many people are fooled into thinking the theatre is all about serious themes and olde world language. But this could not be further from the truth, there is such a wide variety of plays out there catering to lots of different interests, so you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
So this year, branch out from simply watching crime or dramas on the TV and go and see a play or turn your love for romcoms into something special by seeing a love story on the stage instead.
For a unique experience
There is no other experience that can replicate live theatre. It is so different from watching films or shows on TV and in many ways, it can be much more captivating. Although these plays are obviously rehearsed, each performance will be different, and you never get the exact same performance twice. So you really are experiencing something unique each time.
What’s more, the actors will feed off the audience in the room and their energy on stage will match this. The result is an immersive and tailored performance that cannot be matched anywhere else.
You can see some of your favorite stars
There are lots of celebrities who get involved in the theatre from singers to stand-up comedians. So, by going to see a play, you can actually see them live and in action.
While the big names on the bill will always vary from year to year, some examples of celebrities who have starred in plays include Sheridan Smith, Cheryl Tweedy, Dawn French, George Takei, Stephen Mangan, Stephen Fry and Lily Allen, and the list goes on and on.
To flex your brain muscles
Sure, you could spend your evening watching your favorite American sitcom on Netflix for the tenth time, but that’s not exactly stimulating your brain. Sure, it might be comforting and familiar and there are days when you need that, but going to the theatre from time to time can give your brain a much-needed workout.
A good play can make you think and feel deeply and it’s important that you flex your brain muscles from time to time to keep them sharp. Performing arts can also strengthen your emotional intelligence, as well as other important skills like language skills, creative thinking, and attention to detail.
For the social aspect
Going to see a play is a great way to spend time with your loved ones and with other like-minded individuals. Whether you’re going on a date, meeting friends or catching up with family, the theatre provides a great atmosphere for socializing. For example, you could go for drinks before or after, and you’re sure to be discussing the performance for hours once the play has ended.
This is because the theatre provides a great way to socialize and strengthen relationships by creating memorable shared experiences. So, take some time to think about what everybody would like to see and then book your tickets right away.
So you can be a part of history
The history of the theatre dates back thousands of years, spanning continents and cultures. From ancient Greek tragedies to Asian Sanskrit theatre, and from Shakespeare to modern dramas, this rich history should be celebrated.
By attending a play, no matter what the performance, you are experiencing a valued part of our culture and becoming a part of history yourself.
Not only that, but many of these plays are based on different cultures or historical events, or they were written at pivotal moments in time. Therefore, you have the opportunity to learn about important parts of history in an entertaining way.
To escape reality for awhile
One of the greatest reasons to go to the theatre is for a little bit of escapism. This is particularly important in today’s busy modern times and with so much going on in the world. Sometimes you just need a break, a chance to experience something different and forget about the everyday for a while.
No matter whether you go and see a comedy, drama, or love story, going to see a play can be the ideal way to escape reality, even just for an hour or two. It can be the perfect reason to get out of your house, drag yourself away from the screen and enjoy an old art form and a little bit of theatre magic.
As a way of supporting the arts
Finally, if you love going to the theatre but don’t do it regularly enough, you should! By attending plays more often, you are supporting the arts, as theatre companies and the cast, will rely on ticket sales to continue their work.
Unfortunately, the arts have been some of the hardest hit by the events of the past few years and going to see a play this year can be just one small way to support these important cultural works.
So don’t put it off any longer, book your tickets to see a play today.
