Is Cinema Streaming Worth It?
There’s something magical about London’s West End. In the glow of marquee lights on a chilly evening. For me, there is a tangible excitement waiting to be explored before an audience settles into their seat. .
But what happens when you desperately want to see a West End musical and getting there just isn’t possible?
On this one occasion, the answer was watching Hadestown the Musical at my local cinema. It was an opportunity to experience a highly anticipated stage production without the expense and logistics of travelling to London.
Why I Wanted to See Hadestown the Musical
Drawn in by its soulful reputation, and imaginative storytelling it was something I had been looking forward to experiencing in person.
However, when I started looking at booking tickets, reality intervened. Between diary commitments, ticket availability and the cost of travelling to London, I realised I might not get to see the show live on stage until late next year.
But, when I discovered a streamed performance of Hadestown coming to my local cinema, rather than wait, I booked my ticket, grabbed my car keys. And honestly, it was most definitely a performance worth considering for anyone who loves theatre but struggles with a West End Theatre visit, but there are pro’s and con’s to consider.
The Benefits of Watching West End Theatre at the Cinema
One of the biggest advantages of cinema screenings is convenience, time, cost, security, safety.
- Convenient travel: A straightforward 20-minute drive from home.
- Free parking: Plenty of available spaces without worrying about expensive city-centre parking.
- A more affordable outing: My ticket cost £25, considerably less than the combined cost of a West End theatre ticket and travel.
No waiting on a platform in the dead of night and blustery winter weather to contend with. To the contrary, I had the most comfortable centre stage seat, and a 20 minute drive home.
The big screen camera can bring a cinema audience much closer to facial expressions, costume details, and subtle details that you might miss in a theatre audience.
The Downside: Can Cinema Recreate the Atmosphere of Live Theatre?
In a word… or two? Absolutely not!
Although I thoroughly enjoyed Hadestown, there was one significant difference I couldn’t ignore.
No atmosphere. No energy. No applause. No standing ovation. Little connection. No gasps. No collective reaction. The cinema remained silent throughout.
It was so dark, I couldn’t see others in the cinema, hence can only assume that they were engrossed in this theatre streaming at the cinema – but for me, that difference mattered.
So, whilst a cinema screening of a top West End Theatre Performance, and a great alternative to live theatre, it could never replace my love of a live theatre performance.
It’s also worth noting, if you have a cinema membership, before booking checking your cinema membership terms, because National Theatre and other cinema programmes may be classed as a “Special Event” – which can be excluded from member discounts.
.For reference, although my Hadestown The Musical Ticket cost £25, I considered it worthwhile for the opportunity to experience a production I might otherwise have waited months to see.
Is Watching Hadestown at the Cinema Worth It?
Yes, I have no regrets about choosing the cinema of this occasion. I experienced soulful music, storytelling, and Hadestown The Musical without any inconvenience or expense of travelling to The West End.
But if you’re love theatre atmosphere, being part of a live audience, connection, anticipation, applause, and standing ovations, then a cinema screening may not be for you.
Personally, on this occasion, I left feeling that my £25 cinema screening ticket had been worth it – but I won’t be making a habit of it!
Have You Watched a Theatre Musical at the Cinema?
What did you see? Have you booked a screened performance since? Does the convenience make the ticket price and logistics more accessible for you personally?
Share your experience in the comments, and check out Beyond the Spotlight UK Podcast about this performance.