In this programme, we go back in time to find out about the experience of a night out at one of London's theatres in the 18th and 19th centuries. Of course a night at the theatre today is very different and still popular with both Londoners and tourists alike - there are over 50 theatres in the West End of London. Jackie Dalton speaks to theatre historian Malcolm Jones to find out what has changed over the centuries.

As you listen, try to answer these questions:

1. Are audiences today more rowdy than in the 18th and 19th centuries?
2. When did the idea of taking the lights down for the audience become popular?

Listen to London Life
	Theatre in London

Words and expressions from the programme

to take the lights down
to turn the lights down

to take off
to become widespread and popular

rowdy
noisy and not very well-behaved

it's not to my taste
it's not the kind of thing I like


Try our quiz below to practise some of the language used in the programme.

Programme script (pdf - 45k)