I have always loved live performances, whether it is a children’s nativity play, sumptuous ballet, dramatic opera, music, recital, comedy act, or anything where people are there to perform and entertain you. The work that goes on behind the scenes for the production is often immense, as well as the passion, time, energy, courage, and probably a sprinkling of nerves from the performers!
The very nature of live performances is to provide us with experiences and a depth of emotion that will stay with us a long time. Who doesn’t remember watching their child’s first play or going to their first concert? I know I have hundreds of memories that I can conjure up in an instant, many of which even now send shivers down my spine!
First Live Performances
I can still remember my first experiences of live performances when I was a teenager, particularly seeing Ravi Shankar in London. In fact, I am sure I could spend several days just thinking about all the experiences I have had, recalling events, places, people, including Pink Floyd, The Eagles, The Beatles, Santana, The Nutcracker, The Lion King, various operas, street theatre… they are some of my happiest memories. 🙂
It is never the venue or size of the event that makes it so memorable to me, but the atmosphere, excitement and how each performance makes me feel. It is often electrifying, frequently moving, and in the past few months I have had the pleasure of being at a couple of Jazz events, an Amy Winehouse tribute, comedy act, open mic and an Elton John night. All of them were extremely enjoyable, and I wouldn’t have missed a single one.
They Enrich Us All
Live performances enrich all our lives and are an art form that goes back thousands of years. Romans and Greeks produced comedy and tragedy plays in amphitheaters (also doubling up as venues for chariot racing, gladiator combats and executions!).
Ancient Egyptians performed dance and played music, including harps, drums, lutes and tambourines. More recently troubadours, originating in France in the 13th century, roamed the towns and villages, entertaining people with music, poetry and tales. In Britain, our forms of live entertainment included minstrels telling stories and playing music, concerts, poetry reading, dancing and jousting.
Who, or What, Is on Your Bucket List?
So, if you could choose one thing to put on your bucket list, what would it be? Barry Manilow or The Eagles in Las Vegas? The sensational Lion King, or a visit to the historic Shakespeare Globe Theatre in London? Perhaps you might prefer the beautiful voice of Andrea Bocelli in Pisa, or watching the exquisite ballet, Swan Lake?
If you shop around, tickets won’t cost a fortune, and you can often get reduced rates on the day. At The Globe Theatre, you can have standing room right at the front (referred to as Groundlings) for as little as £5.00. The atmosphere there is incredible!
Backstage
As well as the performers, there is often a vast army of others that go in to putting on a production. That might be parents at home sewing costumes for the school play, writers, set designers, electricians, producers, directors, backing singers, prompters, the list is endless. So next time you see a live production, give a thought for all the people you cannot see. Without them it just wouldn’t happen.
You Are Part of It
When you go to a live performance, you are part of the action. The audience has a huge role to play in the atmosphere of the event and can change the whole ambience, simply by their reaction. What you see in front of you is a unique experience which will never be performed in exactly the same way ever again. There is a huge difference between listening to a piece of music on a CD and being there in the moment.
Cost Per Memory
As always, I count what I pay as a cost per memory, and live performances offer a huge return as I may recollect the memories hundreds, or even thousands, of times. I think some of my earliest performances have probably cost less than a penny per memory. That sounds like a very good deal to me. 🙂
Let’s Reflect:
What is your most memorable live performance? Do you have a specific event on your bucket list? Are you a performer?
