THEATRE IN LONDON Most British cities have a theatre, but London has the greatest number. There are
over 50 theatres in London’s West End, the area in London with most theatres, and
about 35 smaller fringe theatres.
In recent years musicals have been very successful. About 5.5 million people, many
of them tourists, go to see a musical every year in London. The best known
contemporary composer of musicals is Andrew Lloyd Webber. His musical Cats is the
longest-running musical.
Going to the theatre in Britain is not only popular, but also expensive. Not many
young people can afford to go. It is possible to get cheaper tickets by going to afternoon
performances called matinees or by buying stand-bys, half-price tickets which are sold
half an hour before a performance starts.
3.Writing
Answer the questions.
1. Can we call London the centre of the theatre life? Why?
2. Do you think people often go to the theatre?
3. What shows attract tourists to London?
4. How can you get to the theatre if you haven’t got enough money?
1. Yes, we can call London the centre of the theatre life because it has the greatest number of theatres compared to other British cities. London's West End is particularly known for its high concentration of theatres.
2. It is stated that going to the theatre in Britain is popular, but also expensive. Therefore, while some people do go to the theatre, it may not be as frequent or accessible for everyone, especially young people who may not be able to afford it.
3. Musicals, particularly those by Andrew Lloyd Webber, attract tourists to London. The passage mentions that about 5.5 million people, many of them tourists, go to see a musical every year in London.
4. If you haven't got enough money, there are a few ways to still get to the theatre. One option is to attend afternoon performances called matinees, which often offer cheaper tickets. Another option is to try buying stand-by tickets, which are sold at half-price half an hour before a performance starts. These options can make theatre more affordable for those on a budget.