Article written by Breanna Smith.
So, here’s the thing, when I went to review the Longest Minute I had a deadline. The shows I was planning to see, I was not able to and had to change plans quickly. So, I ended up doing something I didn’t want to do. See a show during a weeknight. See for me, in my mind, I think seeing a show during the week reminds me too much of seeing shows in high school with a class. And this connotation was valid as a school group was there and a nice old lady did ask me what school we were from, but there had to be some other reason why I didn’t go to see shows during the week, even as an adult. But I ended up booking a ticket and had a fantastic time at the show. And while I think most of it was due to the show, it did make me think about the difference from a normal night.
One thing I have to say about the night is that it was smoother. See, I was in a bit of a hurry to make sure I picked up my ticket on time but on reflection, things were smoother. I got off the train and had a chat with the staff I knew and headed across to the Lyric Theatre. I was able to have a nice chat with the staff at QPAC about where would be a good place to get food that was open. It was relaxed and the atmosphere was that we had time. There was no rush, just an aim to have a good evening and enjoy the night. Overall the evening was smooth, calm and easy going, it brought down my rush to a very low level and allowed me to have a look at what was around and who I was with. It makes for interesting conversation.
So it was nice to chat to people but I had to say I did need something to eat. And while chatting to the staff I did find some of the places I would have gone to because they were close, such as Bistro by QPAC, were shut as there was only one show on that night, however, there were many other places to try. I think this was a good thing. It is very easy to go to what is in front of you so it was good to take a step back and try something different. And because it was a weeknight the wait was shorter and everything ran smoothly. It was nice to have time because you have to pick up your tickets well before the show, to have a meal and take a walk by the river. Things you don't tend to do unless you are visiting a place. It's nice to see your city in a new light, a place worthy of a look around.
After a hard day at work, you can relax and let someone else do the hard work and be entertained while you watch. It's nice when you're at home watching TV but when at the theatre you feel as if you are bettering yourself. But you can also do it with others. I saw many groups meeting up after University and work who come together and enjoy each other’s company and have a good time letting the panic, worry and stress of the day go away as you enjoy the show and the people you are with. It’s a good way to break up a week full of work and have a good time.
Now as I have said I came straight from work. Now I enjoy my job but to come from work and in ten minutes be doing something I enjoy was fantastic. I've heard of studies that say that joy is felt stronger after moments of negative emotions. Now I won't say my job is negative but going from something I like to something I love to brighten my mood for the rest of the week. Adding this joy to my week made it better in many ways. I was able to talk about it with those around me and how I enjoyed it was a great topic to start conversations about many things leading to interesting discussions for the next day. It was great to be able to share with those around me after they had shared their stories from the weekend and earlier in the week and me telling mine later in the week. Both were important but were not overshadowed by each other. In short, it allowed for good conversations to continue.
Let’s be honest one major factor preventing people from seeing a show is the cost. and yes this is a major factor and why I suggest seeing shows at places besides QPAC and the like. And while for some shows there are under 30 discounts, something I suggest looking into, can be much cheaper than you think, another way to bring the price down is to see the show on a weekday. As they are not as busy they are often cheaper leading to a cheaper alternative while still seeing the same great show and cast. It's a small difference but can save you money. And if you happen to work in the city is it not cheaper to stay in the city for a little longer them come in another day and pay for parking or transport?
The thing is I want to see more shows. But as a shift worker that can be hard and I think many people in many jobs have the same issues of just not being able to. We’re not in High School when we have free time to do anything we want with just a little planning. We have jobs and things we HAVE to do or there will be consequences. But does that mean we can't do things we like? I think we need to make time for things we like in this busy world even if it's a little different to how we would normally do it. Seeing shows only on weekends holds you back and I think we need to all make the most of overtime and set aside time to do things that make us happy and smile. And I don't see why we have to wait the whole week to wait for the good stuff. If you have free time I think you should make the most of your free time and if you don't want to go to theatre than fine but do what makes you happy and don't wait for the weekend. Mix and match your days to suit you and bring you joy. Do something you like during your lunch break, take a short break part way home from work or see a show on Monday. I don't think we should hold happiness back. But I think we do it often without thinking and by the time the weekend comes just want to chill. So try just once this week when you have a spare moment to do something that makes you happy for no reasons other than that. Even if it's between scheduled appointments, use that time instead of sitting and waiting. Let yourself be happy without a reason.
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