There is nothing like a live performance ! I was reminded of this last week when I saw a 3 year old child at the recent Riverside Youth Theatre production of “Into The Woods”. Her eyes were sparkling and she was so excited at what she had seen. It was a bit frightening, and the story above her head but the wonder she experienced in just being there. So much better than on a screen at home. Real people, with no adverts, no interruptions by someone at the door or the need to make a cup of tea. To be part of a live event is an amazing experience, and no film or TV can capture the excite-ment, the colour, the noise and the feeling of just being there. ‘Live Aid’ in 1985, The World Cup in 1966, Diana’s funeral in 1997, the Berlin Wall in 1989, the Last Night of the Proms……..No-one who was at such an occasion will ever forget the experience. On a much smaller scale at a theatre, concert hall or sports field, you are not just watching something, you are actually part of the event, helping to create that special atmosphere which no screen or recording can capture. You may not be actually participating in the match, acting on the stage or playing or singing in the concert but you are as much part of the show as anyone else. Don’t take the lazy way out and say “I’ll watch it later on catch-up”, or “I’ll buy the DVD”. Get your act together and buy a ticket and go and see it! Whether your interest lies at the Royal Festival Hall, Kempton Park, Brentford FC, the London Palladium, The Oval, or your local theatre or church hall, your real-time, live experience will be far more rewarding than any other form of watching. Often the only way you can watch the greatest performers in any field is on a screen, and although the live event you can afford to attend may not offer the same levels of expertise, your enjoyment level will more than make up for any lack of skill. Get up from the couch, buy a ticket, and also one for a youngster to instill for life in them the unbeatable experience of “being there”. And of course you can start by attending something at The Riverside !
Your doorway to Arts and Entertainment
Drama, poetry, literature, dance, pottery, ballet, quiz nights, keep-fit, flower arranging, Pilates, yoga, cinema, children’s dance, Classical concerts, comedy, youth drama, painting, musical tuition, licensed bar, meeting rooms, air conditioned performance areas
Riverside Arts Centre 57/59 Thames Street Sunbury TW16 5QF www.riversidearts.co.uk 07796 531427 info@riversidearts.co.uk registered charity 272929