London theatres Going to the theatre is a way of spending an evening which can be at the same time most entertaining and educative. Despite competition from the cinema, wireless and television, the theatre still plays an important part in the life of the average Englishman. There are over 220 professional theatres in Britain. The center of theatrical activity is in London where there are some 30 principal theatres in the “West End” and several more in the suburbs, but some important performances are taking place in the provinces. In London there are theatres for all tastes: some people prefer musical comedy and shows of that kind, with their catchy tunes are very popular. Variety shows, in which actors entertain the audience with sentimental and comic performances also draw full houses and greatly influence the artistic tastes of the public. Those who do not care for musical comedy or variety will find other shows to their taste. Some theatres stage modern plays: Shakespeare and other classics are played mostly at Old Vic, the Royal Opera shows opera and ballet. The evening performances usually begin at 19.30 or at 20.00 and finish at about eleven. Seats are expensive and a night out at a theatre is quite a luxury for the average Englishman. Only a few theatres have their own permanent companies. Groups are formed for a season, sometimes even for a single play. Regular seasons of opera and ballet are given at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden and the National Theatre. Some theatres concentrate on the classics and serious drama, some on light comedy and revue, some on musicals. Most theatres have a personality of their own: from the old such as the Theatre Royal in the Haymarket, to the very new such as the Mermaid Theatre in the city of London built on the banks of the Thames. A visitor to London is always surprised when he sees the Royal Opera House standing almost inside Covent Garden, the city’s great fruit, flower and vegetable market. Because of its location it is usually referred to simply as “Covent Garden” and if someone tells us that he is going to the Covent Garden we immediately think of the opera and not greengrocery. The first Covent Garden Theatre was built in 1732. It was more a theatre of drama than of opera. Yet many of Handel’s operas were performed here for the first time. The famous singers such as Adelina Patty, Tetrazziny and Caruso sang here many times. The great Russian Shaliapin also sang in Covent Garden. The composers Gounod and Berlioz came to see their operas performed. Now the theatre is busier than ever: it is one of the well-known opera houses open for eleven months in the year and it employs over 600 people both of the opera company and the Royal Ballet. 3) Задания к тексту Выполните следующие задания провести вечер; 2. центр театральной деятельности; 3. развлекать зрителей; 4. занимательный и обучающий; 5. театры на любой вкус; 6. собирать полный зал (аншлаг); 7. оказывают большое влияние; 8. являются роскошью; 9. собственный характер; 10. инсценировать современные пьесы; 11. сосредоточены на классических произведениях и драме; 12. постоянный состав исполнителей. 2. Do you agree with the following statements? 1. Theatre’s role in entertainment and education of people is great. 2. London is called the center of theatrical activity. 3. It’s difficult to find performances for all tastes in London. 4. Seats are not very expensive and even an average Englishman can afford a night out at a theatre. 5. Theatres rarely have their own permanent companies. 6. It’s really surprising for tourists to see the Royal Opera House inside the city’s great fruit, flower and vegetable market. 7. The first Covent Garden Theatre was famous for its musical comedies. 8. Nowadays over 600 people are busy with the performance at the Royal Opera House.