Showing posts with label Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Theatre. Show all posts

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Famous Nights Out for London Theatre - Try West End Shows

One London theatre attraction that never fails to draw huge crowds is the West End that is home to some long-running musical and other West End Shows. Tickets to this Theatreland can be quite in demand especially during peak seasons. Below are just some of the famous musicals that you can see at London's West End.

Who doesn't know or at least heard of Les Miserables that is based on the classic novel of the same title by French author Victor Hugo? Les Miserables is actually the longest running show of all time in London's West End. This is one of the huge crowd drawers. Some people have seen Les Miserables twice or even three times and still wouldn't mind watching it again for a couple more. That's simply how popular the musical is. It seems that theater goers just can't get enough of the themes of love and redemption that is wonderfully portrayed by the play. And with beautiful songs such as "Can You Hear the People Sing" and "I Dreamed a Dreamed," it was really destined to become a hit.

Another classic is the Phantom of the Opera that opened only a year after Les Miserables, making it the second longest-running musical at London's West End. It is probably the most well-loved of all Andrew Lloyd Weber creation. Based on Gaston LeRoux's novel, the story's themes of love and obsession is masterfully represented by the blending of opera and rock. "The Point of No Return" and "Masquerade" are just two of the most unforgettable songs from this musical.

If you are looking for a more contemporary musical, then We Will Rock You will definitely be to your liking. Running for eight years already, the show is set 300 years into the future and depicts the life of a young non-conformist named Gallileo and his battle against the corporate Killer Queen. If you are a fan of the British rock band Queen then you will be delighted to know that this show features some of their greatest hits such as "We Are the Champions" and of course "We Will Rock You."

Another modern classic is Mama Mia that is famous not only among Abba fans, but to everyone who can appreciate a good light and funny story. It is about a young, fatherless bride named Sophie who just discovered that her mom dated three men at the time of her conception. For her wedding, she decides to invite all three of her potential dads, turning the story into a series of one amusing scenario after another. And with Abba hits in the score such as "Dancing Queen" and "Mama Mia," this show is simply irresistible.

With all the good theatre showing in London's West End Shows, it is not hard to imagine why it is quite hard to get West End tickets. Online Theatre Tickets outlets are definitely a blessing to theatre lovers. Through these sites, you can order your tickets in advance. No need to join the long ques at London's West End.

Frank Belanger West End Shows are the place to go for a great night out in London and get tickets at http://onlinetheatretickets.com/


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Saturday, June 25, 2011

Top Five Ways To Create Atmosphere In The Theatre: Using Staging Systems

When people come to the theater they are expecting a powerful roller coaster of emotions, whether it be to laugh or cry. You need to create the right atmosphere and mood to perfectly position the audience for a truly mesmerizing show.

Creating atmosphere in any sized theater can be a complex task. Every aspect of the performance must be considered such as the stage lighting and sound to set the right tone and ambiance for the audience.

Yes acting is key but brilliant acting set against tired drapes and curtains, in a poorly lit room, with poor sound output is not going to make for a memorable show. It is a combination of all of these things that will make the show special.

Some tips on how to create this atmosphere include:

1. Stage lighting. This is very important because lighting can create many different impressions. It is practical in the sense that it can convey the time of the day to the audience who are watching a play. I.e. lighter colors for the sunrise or darker tones for dusk. It can also be highly symbolic. Colored lighting is very popular as it can instantly change the mood of a scene on stage.

2. Staging systems, such as sound systems, are also important. Having a good technical base to control the types of sounds the audience hear is very effective in creating mood. For example, setting up speakers around the room can mean that different sounds are played out around the theater to engulf the audience in the performance.

3. The set. The set can be a complex task because it is very difficult to keep changing the background of the set to convey the type of scene. However, props or small items can be brought onto stage to help with this.

4. The acting is obviously a key part to the performance and is a major influencing factor to how enjoyable and how atmospheric the play can be. One director says, "The acting is crucial but it is also everything that happens around that acting which can tie everything together. It is about the whole theater not just what is happening on stage."

5. Finally, to create atmosphere it is vital that there are experienced staff backstage who can help bring everything together by working efficiently and professionally backstage. Having relevant technicians on hand is important as any technical hitches can be dealt with quickly and with minimal fuss. The smooth running of the production will always show in a performance from the moment the audience member walks into the theater to the moment that they leave.

For professional stage lighting systems and stage sound design services check out PG Stage. Established for over 30 years.


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