have you been to see live theatre/opera/concert?

[buggeroo]

we are professional (classical) musicians, so think nothing of going to see an Opera, classical concert, live theatre etc.
However, I've recently had 2 conversations with a family member and a head teacher that they have never been to a live (classical type) concert or theatre show/play.

So it's making me wonder - how many people have been to..
a) an opera?
b) a live theatre production?
c) classical concert?

I was suprised that these two people hadn't been to any of these, but should I be? I don't know?
Thank you.

Lots of live theatre

Only two operas and both in the last three years

Many classical concerts usually because I know someone playing.

Operas and classical music in particular are very niche tastes these days

Yes, have been to all, and do go.

No idea what the sector does about prices though. It is prohibitively expensive to take a family, it is becoming less and less accessible.

So it doesn't surprise me that people aren't going.

He's an Army officer. Not sure if they still do it, it was people not considered "cultured" enough. He had a great time... they went to Paris for example.

Same.

We go to the theatre frequently; London, Stratford or we are lucky that we have a brilliant local theatre too. Last week we went to see The Tempest in London and have tickets for Carmen at Covent Garden soon, standing tickets so nice and cheap!

OP have you ever been to

• a football or rugby game?
• a theme park?
• a music festival?

Different people like different things so why the faux surprise that some people have not been to see concerts or theatre?

Never been to the opera because it doesn't appeal to me but have been to the other two, and also to live ballet

Loads of theatre.
Been to the Royal opera House to see the ballet a couple of times. It's really not expensive if you book early for the cheap seats.
Never seen a classical concert.

Just to stipulate, I mean professional performances, not school orchestras.

b & c, never been to an opera as not interested. But I have been to countless ballets if that counts?
I did this back in the good old days when living in a big city.

Unfortunately these things are quite expensive and have to compete with other, more modern forms of entertainment.

A few operas, but countless theatre productions (especially amateur), and concerts of every kind. Never in my childhood, but I dived in joyfully when I started earning wages!

Total philistine here.
None since I was a child.
My mother was very fond of theatre and amdram. As a child I was dragged along to every play and even made to take part when child actors were required. I loathed every minute and never wanted to go again.
When DC were small 20 years ago I took them to a few children's plays / events but I wouldn't go for me.
One DC is keen on music and goes to piano recitals.

I do love opera though and I think if anything would lure me to a theatre it might be that. I do live in the sticks though so it would be a bit of travelling.

Yes all three but mostly theatre and opera. Other people are more keen to see plays I find! I have been to musical once - never again! I’m a teacher and I get students into galleries and museums whenever I can!

Yes to all three! I just don’t think twice about it. I’d add that, as an atheist, some of mr most rewarding times have been Christmas (not carol services) and Easter concerts in local churches, that usually have a mix of professional and amateur musicians. Though if I never hear Messiah again it’ll be too soon. I’m hoping to get to lunchtime recitals when I retire.

Lots of.dance too. DH is really into modern dance. We went to Ghent for the weekend last summer to see some incomprehensible modern dance thing. Loved Ghent, loved our box in the beautiful Opera House, could take or leave the actual dance!

Done all three.
Also American football (soccer I find boring-after a childhood of being forced to watch it on TV)
Theme parks - lots in numerous countries
And lots of Musical Theatre

Oh and Music festivals of various types

Theatre a few times but West End tickets are SO expensive. We've seen Matilda through the £25 ticket lottery, but with train tickets and dinner that's still a £200 night out - we don't have that kind of money to do it very often.

It wouldn't even occur to me to go and see an orchestra or an opera. I'd much rather see Wicked if I find myself with several hundred pounds to spare.

All three, frequently, over the past forty years, though less often recently, partly due to the declining standards of audience behaviour.

Yes but if they don't like that sort of thing, why would they go?

It's a bit like saying you're surprised they don't eat cheese and onion crisps, or they've never gone to Butlins.

It's all personal preference.

I’ve been to an opera once and the theatre several times. Not for a long time though as I don’t live anywhere near these type of venues.

Yes to all 3, although mostly opera. I was surprised by pp's comment re the ROH - I find you can get some really reasonably priced tickets for even the most famous operas as long as you aren't fussy about seats.

Yes, but I’m posting this from backstage at a dress rehearsal for an amateur show so clearly it’s my thing. I love live theatre and music.

I've never been to the opera but can quite happily sing along with a few of the famous songs. I love the theatre - not such a fan of musicals but they're okay, and I absolutely love classical concerts.

I've been going since I was little, and now I'm almost 40!

We listen to classical music almost exclusively at home.

All 3. The last time just before Christmas 2024 to see Michael Jackson the musical. Outstanding!

My mum is a trained opera singer and dad a musician.

Was raised going to concerts and theatre all the time. Still go now - on average I probably see 6-8 operas a year, 20-25 theatre shows and 10-12 classical concerts (plus arena and open air gigs).