Comedy, markets, theatre, workshops – there’s plenty of things you can do at home this winter. If you’re looking for ways to stay entertained from the comfort of your own home, here are a few fun ideas for enjoying your weekends and evenings…
COMEDY SHOWS
Any of my friends will tell you that going to a comedy show is my favourite night out. I usually book tickets for my husband and family as Christmas and birthday gifts (rather than physical items) so we’ve always got a show to look forward to. Recently, I haven’t been able to do this but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been able to enjoy live comedy – I’ve just been watching the shows from home!
In fact, only a couple of weeks ago I ‘went to’ Myra DuBois’ live show and my husband and I had a fantastic time. I had previously seen Myra perform live in Edinburgh so I knew I would be in for a good show. You may recognise the name from the Britain’s Got Talent finals this year – she even sang a duet with Amanda Holden!
Myra DuBois’ show “A Problem Shared” is a spin-off from her Facebook performances during lockdown and now she’s doing live shows one a month. When I watched the September it was such a fun, interactive experience with audience tweets making up the majority of this improv comedy show. Our question was included in the show, which made it all the more exciting!
Future performances of ‘A Problem Shared’ by Myra Dubois: 28th October, 25th November and 24th December 2020. Here’s where you can book tickets.
MARKETS
If you enjoy browsing makers markets and prefer to shop with independent businesses, it IS still possible to ‘go to’ a craft market at home. The Instagram account @MakersMarketFromHome showcases the work of countless talented creatives during their markets, and you can shop with these small creative businesses online via their Etsy stores or websites.
I’ve been to every MakersMarketFromHome and it’s SO easy to browse on market day – their Instagram story is like strolling from stall to stall at a real makers market. Plus there’s a programme of live activities to enjoy all day, such as a make-along workshops, craft technique demonstrations, studio tours and live chats with the makers. I can’t wait for the festive market next month!
Follow @MakersMaketFromHome on instagram for information on their next live event – it’s the Christmas Bonanza on 15th November so put that in your diary now
COMEDY CLUB
I’ve also regularly been ‘going to’ a comedy club and haven’t missed a show since it started during lockdown. Comedy at The Covid Arms hosts four comedians and one music act each month and, at just £2 for the live stream or £10 for an interactive front row seat, it’s a bargain night in. The comedy club raises funds for The Trussell Trust and keeps comedians working when they can’t perform in venues.
Here’s where you can book a ticket for the monthly show.
AN EVENING WITH…
For our anniversary, I booked tickets for a livestream show with Monty Don, so I was still able to give my husband a gift and we had something fun to look forward to. The event was “An Evening With” format show, with an interviewer hosting the livestream with Monty. I booked through the Norwich Theatre Royal and it’s hosted by Fane, but I know that this type of show can be booked through many local theatres so sign up to the mailing list of your local theatre. We’re planning to go to another show next month, which is an evening with Tom Allen, so that’ll be a fun way to spend a Saturday evening in.
I really think that livestream comedy and theatre shows are great value for money. For a start, you only have to pay for one ticket, no matter how many of your family are watching. And the tickets tend to be lower priced than regular theatre performances too. Plus, if you book through a local theatre venue, it helps to support them while live performances can’t go ahead. I certainly plan to continue watching live stream shows for as long as they are offered.
MUSICALS
The new season of The Shows Must Go On has started on YouTube and the channel premieres a classic musical every Friday evening. The performance is only available for 48 hours so it means you’ve got something entertaining to watch every Friday or Saturday night. I’ve seen all kinds of shows that I’ve never seen live, such as Cats, Fame, The Sound of Music and (my new favourite) Phantom of the Opera.
The Friday show is announced during the week so keep an eye on The Shows Must Go On YouTube channel for updates.
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Some items in this blog post have been gifted to me and the pink links indicate a gifted product, affiliate link or information source. All thoughts and opinions in this post are based on my own experience and I am not responsible for your experience 🙂
