Last Friday I went to see the Sound of Music at Edinburgh Playhouse with my friend Gillian (I should really thank her mum for getting the good seats!). Even though I have seen the film version I didn't know what to expect from the play. However I really enjoyed it and even joined in with some of the songs (doe a deer, a female deer ...).
I don't often go to the theatre but I do like the experience. On entering the playhouse you are greeted with grand decoration and well mannered staff. The old red velvet chairs in the theatre as well as the dim lighting creates a very different feel to what you would get at your local cinema. I even like the fact you can purchase a tiny little pot of ice cream for a ridiculous price at the interval.
I think the theatre is often associated with an older audience, perhaps even considered a little posh. So it was good to see a wide range of age groups in the audience. Not just children being dragged along by their parents, but groups of young adults making it a social outing. I would definately go again, but next time I would maybe have to book the cheaper seats!
Funny how we assume that certain things are for different types of audience isn't it? What would Bourdieu say, mmm? ;-)
ReplyDeleteThe first time I went to The Proms I didn't know what to expect but it was very laid back - you had some posh people there in suits, but you also had families, people straight out of work, students, all sorts. And in the middle, where there are no seats, people were just sitting on the floor reading the paper or lying down staring at the ceiling while the orchestra played.
After that I made a point of taking friends each year so they could experience it - they'd never thought of going, didn't think it was "for them" and yet they all loved it. (I took one friend who asked what to wear and, as it was a hot day, I said "shorts and t shirt". He didn't believe me, but that's what everyone was wearing! He assumed he'd have to hire a dinner jacket.)
Which sort of explains assignment 3, and links back to what Bourdieu said about museums and class... You see, it all comes together!
(Incidentally, if you've seen Amadeus you'll know the scenes at the opera house which are very much like a night out at a musical. We apply a very different idea of what was once entertainment for "the masses". If you've not seen it, rent it - good film.
Aww Karen, I'm so jealous. Musicals are my guilty pleasure. I'm glad you enjoyed it! This was probably alot better suited for a first time theatre-goer, like yourself, than Phantom anyway. (No idea I even got that from!)
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