To feel theatre is overrated?

[icreatedascene]

I've never been to a really big theatre and circumstances mean that it's not feasible to go to a London or other 'big' one. I subscribed to the National Theatre at home in a bid to give myself some access/awareness and I have to say I'm glad I haven't paid to go in person. Admittedly I've only watched four productions (all of which had raving reviews) but I'm somewhat underwhelmed.
I'm wondering is theatre only deemed a MC thing because it's expensive? Am I missing something?The acting in The Boy with the Two Hearts was very high school drama club IMO. The book was so much better, but I understand it's hard to squeeze a book into 1.5 hours. Why were people raving about it? Perhaps I'm not getting the point? I've removed the poll because obviously it's very subjective, but just want to know if anyone else feels like this.

Doesn’t help that once someone who loves musicals discovers my opinion they seem determined to be evangelical about them and try and convince me I’m wrong

Just to add to the evangelicals! I used to be a bit of a snob regarding musicals - think I was the last woman in London to see Phantom of the Opera 😊my
DGD wanted to see it - not my cup of tea but it did make me appreciate just the sheer artistry of the stage, singing, costumes, lighting and acting, so it really is legit!

If I didn't go to musicals I would have missed out on: Tina Turner, Bob Marley, The Kinks, Mary Poppins, Moulin Rouge, Hamilton and much more😊

I love musicals. Like really love em.
But you are right, and I think we all have personal tastes.

There is a huge problem imo about the current funding of theatre especially musicals. Its really really hard to get new musicals out there, and basically funding is very hard to get unless they have a guaranteed market, or can attach a star name for a play. There's very little risk being taken.

Obviously you also have to convince prospective theatre goers that they should pay to go and see something which is easier to do if they know what it is especially when prices are high.

Currently whats been released is 90% either a revival or based on something with an existing audience and lots of it is unnecessary. I think personally it also risks turning people off of the theatre because if you are a massive friends/clueless/devil wears prada fan, or a fan of an artist and you then see something then you are potentially the hardest people to impress!
You see mj the musical, and think it feels similar to every touring production of Michael Jackson tributes or the guy didn't quite sound like him, or you see a film based one and think eh it doesnt add anything. You won't then spend your money again
Often it feels unoriginal and something you've seen before (and possibly better!) Elsewhere

There are small pockets of new musicals appearing (operation mincemeat, ballard lines etc) but they get overwhelmed often by theatres mass booked out for things like hercules, the 30th revival of chorus line with massive budgets. I often have to actively hunt out new stuff

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@icreatedascene I wouldn't call it a middle class thing either. We go (Me, my 2 adult DC and their partners,) a lot. DH now and again. Been to 7 shows in the past year. 4 at the local theatre. 3 at 'big ones.'

I went to see Operation Mincemeat the other day. I spent money on top seats and had a very tall person in front of me - awful obstruction but I still thought it was brilliant!

I also seen a lot of kids theatre recently, wanting my children to start enjoying it. I saw the Smeds and the Smoos amongst other things and they were also very enjoyable and so inventive. I really felt that with everything else going wrong in Britain, it still has a very fine reputation for theatre.

I loved NT at Home during lockdown but it is no replacement for live theatre. I guess it’s not for everyone, but I do think people who don’t go to the theatre are missing out. He just have to find the sort of theatre that works for you. Regional theatres produce some great work these days and there are plenty of national tours.

I love the theatre. I have seen probably 10 shows already this year with multiple more booked in. I have left at the interval more than once though as some of it is absolute crap. Maxine Peake in ‘the Skriker’ I am looking at you…

I respectfully disagree. I love theatre and have grow to love it even more over the years.

It depends on the production but nothing beats live, in the moment, theatre done well.

TV - there are some great series but a lot of same old, dumbed down dross. It’s very noticeable that producers increasing make series fully aware that the audience are watching over their phones - in fact, I think Netflix have pretty much admitted they tell writers to keep that in mind.

Not at issue in theatre. It’s fantastic.

Theatre is brilliant, I’ve seen all sorts from The Woman in White in west end, to Les Mis, to local theatre productions. The only one I’m not keen on is Globe because of standing but I did do it once and enjoyed it. TV not a substitute.

I was lucky when younger as generous family friends had a DD who went to Rada and they often took me to theatre/musical shows as a treat.

Ha ha! Kids theatre at Polka in Wimbledon is where I’ve seen most plays these days, with nephews Lenny Henry’s The Boy with Wings being one of them.

YABVU

This is like the airline seat thread where op used word obese and then said she didnt mean fat. 'Over rated' kinda means crap.

@Rawesomethanks, that’s interesting regards funding will happen where there is a existing fan base/appreciation.

@Westfacingthanks. And actually, exceptions to my I’d Rather Stick Pins In My Eyes would be to see some of the older established productions. So Phantom, Miss Saigon for example I would actually love to see. Yes, also music bio type productions I’d enjoy I think.

I have a weird relationship with the genre 😄

You don’t have to love it. My husband hates it. I go 20 to 30 times a year and love living near the West End and adore watching shows . We are all different.

overrated 😂 😂 😆

My husband also hates theatre/plays/musicals/panto he hates it all, our kids were quite theatrical and arty he would go to their school things under duress 😀

I love theatre some things do go over my head tbf but you find your niche and go with that, but it isn't for everybody.

Perhaps someone could write a play about my yearning to understand? A helpful mumsnetter comes along in order to show me the (theatrical) light and in a plot twist I end up becoming a very famous play writer in the National Theatre? 😁
I'm in a Bookclub and occasionally someone will mention something about a theme within the book and I'm thinking wtf did you get that from, are we reading the same book? because I didn't pick up on that at all. How was I supposed to know that a mahogany dresser in a dining room that was mentioned once in the book was supposed to represent death and was a core theme?
Anyway, I've been most glad of the replies, thank you all. It must be very subjective, but I can't imagine I would enjoy the audible gasps or palpable tension. I HATE live music and the thought of a sing-a-long during a musical is hell.

So to conclude: it's just me [bows front, to the left and right]

It could well be a "you" thing and that's OK. I'm not into rugby or cricket and I'm not a huge fan of ballet. So I think you're wrong to suggest theatre is "overrated" but it's absolutely fine for you to say it isn't your thing!

It could be that you haven't seen the right show, or it could be that you just don't like the theatre!

You mention not getting some of the themes mentioned at your book club. I studied literature at university so it's definitely my thing. But, ask me to do anything remotely sciencey or physically creative (painting, cooking, sewing) and it's just not going to happen. I tell my partner I hate science and it infuriates him as he loves it and thinks there's science in everything. I think it's more that I'm not good at it and I don't care enough to try to learn!

What sort of books, TV or films do you enjoy? I work in theatre and see a LOT. I may be able to think of something you'd like! But if you're happy finding your entertainment elsewhere, go for it!

Theatre is one my few passions (and I’m working-class to my core.) I don’t go as much as I’d like, due to the cost.

Theatre is an experience shared. Nothing beats it in my book. I’ve streamed two productions and thoroughly enjoyed them (The Importance of Being Earnest and Hamilton), but it isn’t the same as being there in the moment.

We’ll be seeing Pride at a local theatre very soon, and I’m so excited for it!

How many books would you need to have read before deciding reading was ‘overrated’?

Where did you see importance of being Ernest was it NTL ?

It was streamed on YouTube through NTL, I believe. It starred Ncuti Gatwa.

Thank you, I will have a look, I love Ncuti

If you've never been to 'live' theatre, you honestly just dint know.
Im out in the sticks, up north, so it's very expensive for me to get into cities to go to the theatre, but the best example I can give goes back a few years....
I went to see Les Mis and was blown away, my skin tingled, I cried, I loved it.
Then I saw it on TV and enjoyed it, but wasn't blown away and wondered if I'd been a bit 'over enthusiastic' when I'd seen it live.
Luckily, I saw it again, live, the following year - I was on a business trip to London and got cheap last minute seat.
It was incredible - I was right the first time😁

It's a bit like seeing a huge special effects film at the cinema v watching it on the small screen at home.
The experience is completely different.