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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

259 replies

buggeroo · 26/01/2025 13:39

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.

OP posts:
Bubblesgun · 26/01/2025 15:32

buggeroo · 26/01/2025 14:48

@TheBoysAndTheBallet
Football game, yes, once, didn't enjoy it.
Theme park - loads.
Music festival - yes, once, didn't enjoy it.

But my point is, I tried them all at least once.

Show quote history

Same. Did it all but didnt like music festival.
too crowded

BIWI · 26/01/2025 15:36

To answer the second set of questions:

I've been to football matches in my time (had to stand on a wooden box to be able to see the pitch at the first game I ever went to, at Elland Road!), but wouldn't go now. I do, though, regularly go with DH and friends to watch certain rugby games (usually 6 Nations) at the pub.

I've been to theme parks a couple of times, but only the DC were younger. Not something DH enjoys, so no point doing it on our own.

Have been to several music festivals (just for the day or evening - not a 3 dayer like Glastonbuy) but have vowed never to go again, largely because of the behaviour of other festival goers! DH and DS1 and I go to lots of music gigs though.

Isthisblocked · 26/01/2025 15:37

All three although opera only twice. Having said that DGS age 5 has also been to all three …….the opera being a children’s opera and one where we have agreed he would probably need another three or four years before we would try again…..he was a little young….but the exposure to the arts is still a privilege. The only thing that stops us going more are the financial constraints.

latetothefisting · 26/01/2025 15:39

mitogoshigg · 26/01/2025 14:06

Yes many of all 3. I'm amazed that people haven't seen any of those. I went with school for starters as did my own dc. I also took my dc to classical concerts designed for tots from very young then full adult concerts, operas and theatre from primary school age. The best memory of all was a couple of nights at the arena de Verona opera festival when they were 8&10, they weren't the youngest there, there was a 4 year old lad sat behind us (Italian) for Turandot.

And it's not the money, the same people who will complain about the cost of these things happily pay for football or a gig, plus amateur concerts and productions can be very reasonable

why are you amazed that people will "happily pay" their own, hard earned money for things they actually want to do, but not for things they have no interest in?

as @TheBoysAndTheBallet have pointed out, there's more than a whiff of snobbery about this thread. I've been to all 3, btw, but can fully understand why people wouldn't. If, from listening to just a short extract from one heavy metal song on the radio, you can establish that isn't your thing and therefore don't fancy spending money on going to see a live version, even if it's the best band in that genre performing, why wouldn't/shouldn't someone be able to do exactly the same with opera or classical music?

whaddayawannado · 26/01/2025 15:44

Both b and c - not been to the opera though, because I'm not a particular fan of it, however I might make an exception for Carmen one of these days. We go to see ballets fairly often.

SuperSange · 26/01/2025 15:46

I've only been to live theatre, but a while ago now. I'd love to go to the opera or ballet, but can't afford it.

LoserWinner · 26/01/2025 15:50

HauntedBungalow · 26/01/2025 15:07

I think there is still a widely held view that these things are elitist and expensive even though they are for the most part cheaper than pop concerts and theme parks. Eg in London ENO (RIP) always had loads of discounted seats. Thing is you have to really get people into it when they're young - most 30 year olds who have never been to an opera don't suddenly start going.

I suspect the ‘elitist’ thing is quite a strong disincentive, but I’m not convinced age is such a strong thing. I didn’t see an opera until I was pushing 60, now go all the time. Live theatre was a rare treat until I retired, and apart from one concert when I was 18, I didn’t see any classical music live until I retired to London. Now I do all three frequently and they feed my soul.

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 26/01/2025 15:51

I've been to the theatre many, many times and occasionally to a classical music concert but never to an opera as I don't enjoy listening to operatic singing.

Newmum738 · 26/01/2025 15:54

All 3. I'm a regular theatre goer. I like to take my DS (6) and we took him to see Andre Rieu at the end of last year. I love the arts ❤️

Thepeopleversuswork · 26/01/2025 15:54

TheBoysAndTheBallet · 26/01/2025 13:52

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?

Edited

You have a point: there's an element of snobbery about this.

I've been to all three and enjoyed all three and would personally prefer any of the things you list to a football match or theme park (though I love a music festival) and I think everyone should experience each at least once.

But I think you're being a bit naive to imagine that everyone "should" have done these things. Opera is not a default pastime for a large amount of the population and it can hardly come as a surprise that not everyone has done this. Nor does failure to go to the opera regularly automatically mean someone is uncultured or unimaginative.

Sewverit · 26/01/2025 15:55

All 3.

Mostly B. I live in London so theatre very accessible.

A. Maybe once or twice a year. Opera Holland Park mostly. Also went to opera in Budapest recently.

I wouldn’t choose a classical concert over the other 2 except if relatives are performing/organising.

ferntwist · 26/01/2025 15:55

Yes to all, music more than theatre as the latter seems so expensive. Love it!

Iamoldandwearpurple · 26/01/2025 15:57

Live theatre yes.

Opera or classical.music concert no. Not my thing.

Procession0fplamets25 · 26/01/2025 16:00

Opera - never must add to the to do list

Theatre - yes

Classical concert- yes

Festivals -- yes

Live comedy - yes

Live football, cricket -- yes

nocoolnamesleft · 26/01/2025 16:03

Opera - no, only operetta (love my G&S)
Live classical concert - not regularly, but occasionally since childhood.
Live theatre production - god yes. Love the RSC.
Live ballet performance - handful of times.

rewilded · 26/01/2025 16:04

I am from a family of professional musicians so theatre and live music - yes. I love classical performances and theatre.

I have been to an opera but it is not something I would regularly go to, I would go to see a ballet performance instead.

I probably attend at least 6 live performances per year as do my DC.

PeanutsArentNuts · 26/01/2025 16:04

TheBoysAndTheBallet · 26/01/2025 13:52

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?

Edited

I've been to all of these and all OPs options though I don't really enjoy opera, rugby or festivals so prob wouldn't go again unless invited.
(Also like dance and normal gigs, museums and art galleries, live comedy and arty cinemas.) I'm not English so it's more time and money that constrains what I do

Interl0per · 26/01/2025 16:10

When I did my degree I decided to go to one opera and one ballet before I graduated, to take advantage of the student prices and find out if I enjoyed them.

I thought the ballet dancers were incredibly talented, and I was bored senseless.
I started crying about 10 minutes into the opera, and couldn't stop. It was amazing.

Today I go to the opera numerous times a year (usually using the cheap standing tickets!).
But I also watch pro snooker, go to theme parks etc.

(And have done 1, 2 and 3 on your list

boysmuminherts · 26/01/2025 16:14

Yes to all 3
opera, theatre and concerts
and also to the other 3!!!
Football, theme parks and music festival.
My teens have done all also except the opera.
I am like OP and imagine that most people have done all of them and would be surprised if they haven't.

Clarabellasingsthisbit · 26/01/2025 16:15

All three,but classical concerts very regularly and I have a subscription.Not just large orchestral concerts but also recitals and chamber performances.

GreenYellowBrown · 26/01/2025 16:15

A- No
B- Yes
C-Yes

Sassybooklover · 26/01/2025 16:16

If by a live show, you mean a play or musical at the theatre, then yes numerous times. I adore going to the theatre, I'd go more, but it's expensive. I recently went to see a ballet at the theatre (first time and enjoyed it) and I have been to see a classical concert twice. I have seen several bands live at concert venues too.

brunettemic · 26/01/2025 16:16

Just b) but then I have zero interest in the others. I guess the question is why is it surprising? That’s like someone who loves football saying it’s surprising someone has never been to a football match.

TunnocksOrDeath · 26/01/2025 16:20

TheBoysAndTheBallet · 26/01/2025 13:52

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?

Edited

Oh don't be an inverted snob.
Yes to all the OP said, plus all of yours, plus ballet (my preferred live music genre). I am surprised that people still think that people who like opera wouldn't enjoy sport or rollercoasters. What's wrong with trying a bit of everything?

TrixieFatell · 26/01/2025 16:21

Opera - once and it was at the Sydney opera house, we only went for the experience as it's not something I would have chosen. Saying that we are going to an opera later on this year
Theatre - love the theatre. I go a lot with my daughters, we watch musicals and ballet (Matthew Bourne ballet). We also do the panto every year. I adore the theatre
Classical concert- does this mean classical music or just concerts. I've been (and performed in classical concerts). We love live music so we go to a lot of gigs, mainly rock. Again it's something we like to do as a family, I'm lucky my kids like the same music we do. We have about 7 gigs planned this year.
Festivals -- yep, Download but I have done V when I was younger
Live comedy - yes, love live comedy
Live football - I used to watch football a lot when I was a teen but not so much now. Also went to rugby matches, and a lot of motor sport such as F1 and motorbikes like the GP and superbikes
Theme parks - we go quite a bit as a family.