Going to the theatre is a very unique experience.
In a theatre, the seats are generally comfortable and the room at a comfortable temperature. You normally have assigned tickets so you know where you’ll be sitting in advance.
The atmosphere is always very different, for example, to that of a cinema. It is generally more electric, accepting, responsive and vocal. It is always very easy to be drawn in to the spirit and nature of the audience.
Seeing live performances, especially that of actors in a play, is completely different to watching them on screen. There is a magnetism and skill which are easy to notice. We also feel more comfortable in critiquing their performance.
Live music is always a bonus. The way it rises and swirls around us, progressively getting louder and faster as the show moves on. It always gets the audience in the mood.
The lighting and scenery are always a marvel to behold. It can appear so lifelike. We always marvel at the skill and artistry behind them.
And of course the costumes – especially in some of the big shows – are just gorgeous. The quick changes are always fascinating – the gasps of the audience comments on the speed and ‘magic quality’ of such a transformation.

 Going to the theatre gives us a chance to escape from everyday life, to sit back and enjoy stepping into a different world.

The theatre is so rich in what it offers. We are lucky to have literature dating back over a couple of thousand years and much of this has been translated into a form which can be presented in the theatre. We can see epics, books, films and all sorts of media produced through the theatre.
It's great to go with friends, interested groups or even on your own as the audience becomes part of the experience of the theatre. It's a social thing. Watching a DVD is alright but going out to the theatre is something you can dress up for and meet other people.
Even local theatre groups can be great fun, they are sometimes very high quality performances and it's good to support local community theatres.
Sometimes we are amazed at the skill of the actors and how they portray different characters. The theatre gives us the chance to 'visit' other countries and cultures, the past, the classics the modern world and the future.
Encouraging children and young people to go to the theatre opens up a new world to them and may even encourage them to take an interest in drama at school.