So, this is our theatre page. Furthermore, we can direct you to everything that you need to know. Now, this includes upcoming shows, popular venues, recent reviews, news, previews, and interviews.
Latest Reviews
So, check out the list below to read our most recent reviews!
- Only Fools And Horses Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool
- Speedo Mick – The Musical Review – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
- Calamity Jane Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool
- War Horse Review – Empire Theatre, Liverpool
- Red Or Dead Review – Royal Court Theatre, Liverpool
Recent Previews
Now, you can check out the list below to read our most recent previews!
- Mark Thomas Preview – Unity Theatre, Liverpool
- Preview – The Best Of Queen, St Helens Theatre Royal, St Helens —
New Show Announcements
So, check out the list below to read the most recent show announcements!
Latest Cast Announcements
Now, you can check out the list below to read the most recent cast announcements!
Recent Interviews
So, check out the list below to read our most recent cast member interviews!
Theatres
Now, you can check out all of our in-depth venue pages by clicking the links below!
Cities
So, check out our tailored pages to see what shows are coming up in the biggest cities in the UK!
Belfast
Birmingham
Cardiff
Dublin
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Leeds
Leicester
Liverpool
London
Manchester
Newcastle
Norwich
Nottingham
Sheffield
Regions
Now, you can check out our tailored pages to see what shows are coming up in your region!
West End
North
South
East
West
Midlands
North West
South West
North East
South East
England
Scotland
Wales
Northern Ireland
Republic Of Ireland
What Is Theatre?
So, theatre is one of the longest-running forms of live entertainment. It brings storytelling to the stage in so many forms. Furthermore, it caters to audiences of all demographics. So, some shows adopt a realistic approach. Furthermore, they mirror lifelike scenarios with authenticity and provide relevant social commentary. Meanwhile, other shows simply exist to entertain. Furthermore, they may push boundaries through an outrageous, over-the-top approach. Furthermore, shows can educate attendees on historical topics and global issues.
Types Of Theatre Shows
There are so many different shows out there. But most productions have a label to define them. So, musicals have the greatest worldwide appeal. Furthermore, the majority of famous stage shows are musicals. Meanwhile, plays integrate comedy, drama, farce, tragedy and history. Sometimes all at once! So, pantomimes offer calamitous capers to entertain children and families. Furthermore, operas are live dramas that solely use vocal singing and instrumental music. Finally, there are ballets, which operate solely on artistic, precise dance routines. Furthermore, other shows include music tributes, stand-up comedy, alternative dance, drag and spoken word.
Structure Of Theatre Shows
So, the vast majority of shows divide into two parts. Furthermore, these are called Acts. So, Act I generally introduces the story and characters amidst initial plot developments. Furthermore, the first Act usually concludes with a cliffhanger. Then, the second Act progresses storylines to an appropriate conclusion. Furthermore, every show will conclude with the cast taking a bow. So, for musicals, this could include a bonus performance of a song. Finally, some opera or ballet shows might have three or four Acts.
Protocol Of Theatre Shows
It’s traditional for audiences to remain quiet during a show. So, this allows fellow attendees to hear dialogue and understand crucial plot developments. However, there are exceptions for musicals and/or music shows. So, some of these shows encourage the audience to join in. Another sign of respect is for the audience to applaud after musical numbers and during the curtain call. Furthermore, there’s no specific dress code. But many attendees do dress up for the occasion. For operas especially, it’s common to see many attendees in suits and dresses. Finally, attendees should refrain from leaving the auditorium while the show is in progress. Therefore, this ensures minimal disruption to the performance and enjoyment of a show.
Audiences For Theatre Shows
So, shows cater to all demographics. However, gritty dramatic plays focus on the 18+ audience. Meanwhile, vintage musicals could identify more with the older generation. Conversely, pantomimes tailor towards young children and families. But depending on the show’s content, anybody could attend a typical show. Meanwhile, every show welcomes all races, genders, sexualities and religious beliefs. So, a key element of theatre is how anybody can come along and enjoy the experience.
Durations Of Theatre Shows
Now, the duration of a show can vary between productions. But a typical show length is somewhere between 150 and 180 minutes. This generally allows for at least an hour per Act. There is also usually an intermission of 20-25 minutes. Some shows do last less than two hours. They may even last less than one hour, especially in smaller venues. Conversely, some shows could last more than three hours. Furthermore, a few shows even reach four hours in some locations. So, it’s always worth checking beforehand how long a show lasts.
Most Popular Theatre Shows
There are so many timeless shows. So, for musicals, these include The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Misérables, Jersey Boys, Cats, Wicked and The Lion King. We must also mention Rent and Mamma Mia, The Book Of Mormon, Grease, Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Annie and Rock Of Ages. Furthermore, there’s Hamilton, South Pacific, Waitress, Six, Dreamgirls, Dear Evan Hansen, Hair and The Sound Of Music.
For plays, meanwhile, primary examples include Romeo And Juliet, Hamlet, The Mousetrap, Macbeth and Death Of A Salesman. Furthermore, classic pantomime tales include Cinderella, Jack And The Beanstalk, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and Beauty And The Beast. So, for operas, standout shows include Evita, La Bohème, Rigoletto, La Traviata and Carmen. Finally, the most must-see ballets include Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Giselle, Manon and Coppelia. Therefore, these are just some of the many, many fantastic shows that you could see.
Top Theatre Venues
So, on a global stage, the two standout scenes are Broadway in New York and the West End in London. Furthermore, many people dream of getting to see just one show in either of those locations. So, the most recognisable Broadway venues include Gershwin Theatre, Lyric Theatre, New Amsterdam Theatre, Majestic Theatre and Lyceum Theatre. Meanwhile, the most famous West End venues include Royal Opera House, Shakespeare’s Globe, Sadler’s Wells, National Theatre and Barbican.
Most Famous Theatre Performers
Now, there are too many famous performers to mention. Some made their name on the stage, while others established theatre as their second career. So, key performers include Dame Judi Dench, Patrick Stewart, Daniel Day-Lewis, Bernadette Peters, Ethel Merman and Liza Minnelli. Nevertheless, it’s common for shows to cast recognisable celebrities from other forms of entertainment to draw in audiences. So, if you go to see a show, you’re almost certain to see some famous faces!
Notable Theatre Directors
So, a show simply can’t exist without a talented director. Notable directors from over the years include Orson Welles, George Abbott, Peter Hall, Yuri Lyubimov and, of course, Laurence Olivier.
Famous Theatre Writers
William Shakespeare is the first name that most people think of when pondering famous playwriters. That’s because so many of his works thrived on the stage and still do to this very day. Furthermore, other notable writers include Harold Pinter, Agatha Christie, Arthur Miller, Anton Chekhov, George Bernard-Shaw and Christopher Marlowe.
Major Production Companies
So, if you’re going to see a big-budget show, chances are that you’ll recognise the production company. Furthermore, notable examples include Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC), National Theatre, Welsh National Opera (WNO), Bill Kenwright Ltd and Russian State Ballet.
Venues That We Cover
Writebase regularly reviews live shows, especially those for Liverpool venues. So, these include Empire Theatre, Epstein Theatre, Royal Court Theatre, Everyman Theatre, Playhouse Theatre, Unity Theatre, and Hope Street Theatre. We also cover such North-West venues as Floral Pavilion, St. Helens Theatre Royal, Storyhouse Chester, Pyramid & Parr Hall, and Atkinson Theatre.
