Editorial: Quality show a big hit

BOY BAND: One of the talented acts in The Choice is West Street Direction Zone.

Those of us that live here can sometimes fall into the trap of assuming some things are just better in the big cities.

When it comes to theatre and drama, I admit I did just that on moving here. What a fool.

I have enjoyed musical theatre, plays and musicians in this town that matched anything I have heard in some of the biggest cities in the world.

Having heard nothing but rave reviews, I went along to The Choice at the Blue Baths on Saturday night.

What a brilliant, professional, funny show showcasing some of New Zealand's top acting, singing and dancing talent (and a special nod to local teenager Liam Dixon, see page 5, who looked right at home on that stage).

I laughed my head off and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

What surprised me that I was able to buy tickets just a few hours before the show.

On a Saturday night a show of this calibre should be the hottest ticket in town (celeb spotters would have noticed a Shortland Street actress among the audience).

The fact it wasn't a sell-out made me wonder if locals either are not aware of what is available in their own city, or have also made the mistake of underestimating the quality of what's on offer.

As reported today, producers of The Choice are offering $10 tickets to under 18s to try and tempt them along.

Parents, if they will still be seen with you, why not take the kids and make a family night of it?

Through our paper, we do our best to let readers know what entertainment is happening in our city.

But ultimately it's up to all of us to get out and buy tickets, so we can keep enjoying shows such as The Choice in our own backyard.