Many of us are fascinated by theatre and it’s easy to see why because the whole experience can be such a memorable and touching event.

Perhaps for some theatre is about the fun and excitement of a great musical, for others it’s the intriguing story brought to life or simply a way to escape from it all? Whatever the reason, there is no denying theatre has a place in many people’s hearts, and here are 7 reasons why the love of theatre will never die:

1. Watching a musical can be totally absorbing as you appreciate the skill and craft that goes into a mesmerising production. The show stopping tunes seem to sink into your mind as your left with songs that you can sing for years to come or new dance moves you can try out with your friends.

2. There’s something for everyone all year round as the appeal of theatre is diverse. It’s a place where great stories are brought to life - whether it’s through singing, dancing, riveting plot lines or fine acting delivered by a well rehearsed cast. With no one show being the same the chances are there is something unique being performed near you - whatever the time of year.

3. The ‘Play’ is an important part of our ancient history. From as far back as the ancient Greeks the play formed a key element of our community, from story telling through to providing an outlet for entertainment and escape. The ‘Play’ has always been a valued part of our culture.

4. Theatre performances are great places to go with friends and family. You’ll have fun enjoying the show and recount the scenes that moved you afterwards. You can chat about the actors you couldn’t take your eyes off as well as spend countless hours singing back all your favourite tunes from musicals.

5. Theatre is a great chance to see some of our favourite actors up close and in person. Having watched them for so many years from afar it can be a wonderful experience to take in a show and see your favourite stars take to the stage. From Richard Gere to Kim Basinger, from Sir Ian McKellan to Dame Judi Dench most great actors and actresses have graced the live stage.

6. It’s a truly live experience. There is a charm and ambience that comes from a live performance in front of a live audience. This dynamic delivers an almost electrifying presence that just isn’t possible in a cinema environment or on your wide screen TV at home [no matter how big it is].

7. Theatre offers convenient performance times. If you’re looking for an afternoon event, so you can go out in the evening, then you can catch a matinee. Or if you want to make the theatre your main entertainment at night, then you can see the evening show. This flexibility means you can fit in a performance for when it suits you. This differs a lot from many other arts and music shows that offer only one performance time a day - usually in the evening.

With all this talk of theatre, many of us can recall a time when we picked up some last minute tickets with a friend, dashed to the venue and found ourselves watching from the ‘Gods’ in the back of the theatre. Sure we still had a good time, but we couldn’t help feeling “If only we had those seats over there….”

But what if it was possible to have tickets to some of the finest seats in the house, a mouth-watering dinner and perhaps stay overnight at a luxurious hotel?

Imagine how your close friend or partner would feel if this year on your anniversary or perhaps on their birthday they were given such a gift. A gift where they could have fabulous tickets to a West End show, paint the town red and an have a luxurious overnight stay at a first class hotel in the heart of a UK city.

Originally this may have been the pastime of the wealthy and affluent, however, these wonderful weekend escapes are now in reach of all of us for that special celebration. There are a range of theatre break packages available where you an enjoy a night at a fabulous London theatre at a show of your choice with two first rate seats plus an overnight stay in a 4 star hotel in either the West End of London or pick from a selection of other UK cities.

With all the appeal it has there is no doubt that our love for theatre will never die. It offers so much, with such diversity. It’s easy to see why it makes for such a great escape and a perfect gift for that someone special this year. So what are you waiting for?

Author Info:

Janette Vince is managing director of the online company www.Thanksdarling.com For more information on a range of theatre breaks in London and across the UK simply visit http://www.thanksdarling.com/134-5.htm

Gypsy Caravan, a.k.a.: When the Road Bends…tales of a Gypsy Caravan, opens June 15 in New York City. Released by Shadow Distribution, Gypsy Caravan is an uplifting and moving documentary which explores the real lives of the Roma as we travel to their homes in Macedonia, Romania, India and Spain, meet their families and see what music brings to their lives ­ a link to an ancient culture, a common language, a traditional career ­ all of which is a stark and often painful contrast to life on the road. The CD soundtrack, Gypsy Caravan, released by World Village/Harmonia Mundi USA, is also available. The personal drama and stories of these characters are interwoven with their performances, reflecting the imagery and emotion of their music. We see love and death and tales of lives that are raw and rich. They make us laugh and cry and laugh again, allowing us to understand and expand on the riches of Romani music and history, and letting us enjoy knowing the people intimately.

Gypsy Caravan is a feature documentary by Jasmine Dellal (American Gypsy), shot by Albert Maysles. “It would be great if by experiencing the Romani people and their music, people can learn more about them and understand that - what you’ve believed about these people has been a lie your entire lives,” said movie star Johnny Depp who is interviewed in the film.

This musical journey takes place in the U.S. during the World Music Institute’s Gypsy Caravan concert tour and on location in Spain, Macedonia, Romania and India. Starring Macedonian diva and ‘Queen of the Gypsies’ Esma Redzepova; traditional Indian folk troupe Maharaja; Romanian brass band Fanfare Ciocarlia; Romanian superstars of violin wizardry Taraf de Haidouks, and Spain’s Antonio “El Pipa” Flamenco Company.

Gypsy Caravan is currently screening at festivals in Seattle, London and Transylvania. It launched at Tribeca and garnered festival awards from San Francisco to Nashville and Vancouver, and from Korea to the Czech Republic.

This film is dedicated to Decade of Roma Inclusion 2005 - 2015, an initiative of 8 governments, the UN, George Soros & the World Bank joining Roma communities to fight poverty and discrimination, prioritizing education, employment, health & housing.