Many
great actors and actresses tread the boards at London's West End each night,
and many millions of people go see them do just that every year. So much so,
that it has become somewhat of a tourist necessity to go see a show; thus
explaining why so many people are always in attendance. Whenever you go to see
a show, you first have to battle through a mass of people who loiter on the
pavement outside, in the doorways, in the entrance hall, on the stairs, around
the gift and confectionary shops, at the bar, down the corridors and lurking
around corners. None of them moving. They're like tall cones wearing coats
which one has to successfully manoeuvre around.
So,
you've paid, let's say, £100 for a night out for two at the theatre. Then you
buy the obligatory program, plus a souvenir. Then drinks, and maybe something
to munch in the interval. It's an expensive night out, but it comes with perks.
Firstly, there is a better class of people there. These are the sorts of people
that might actually apologise for bumping into you; which is a rare treat in
this city. Secondly, because it is so expensive, people tend to make sure they
arrive on time and don't talk through it, what with everyone trying to get
their monies worth. And thirdly, it makes a nice change from the usual drudgery
of watching television every night.
