Like many things in life, the pattern of what shows we can bring you often goes in cycles. For instance, 2009 has been a quiet year in our entertainment line up for international acts. The reason for that is quite straight forward: this time last year, as the world was in financial meltdown, the value of the Pound plummeted against the Dollar (and the Euro), which meant that it suddenly became a whole lot more expensive for Promoters to bring foreign stars in. Thankfully the exchange rate has recovered a little of late, and as such it's started to trickle back, with shows like the supergroup Them Crooked Vultures next month - heck that was a coup to be proud of!
On the flipside, this year has been huge for comedy. Again, there's an explanation: when recession bites and times get tough, it's much cheaper for Promoters to put one funny guy and his Manager on the road for a tour, than it is 2 bands (the headline & support), their instruments, the stage set, sound and light systems, a bunch of roadies, and a catering team to keep the other 30 fed. The latter requires 3 or 4 lorries and a couple of buses, the former a car.
Thankfully comedy is having somewhat of a resurgence due to TV shows like Mock The Week. Therefore the Promoters, venues like the Pavilions, and all of us as fans have found a way to get through the tough times thanks to the brilliant talent of people like Michael McIntyre.
Something else that's been big this year is children's shows. Just this year we've had Bob the Builder, Chuckle Brothers, Milkshake, The Wiggles, Scooby Doo and more. Next weekend the brilliant Lazytown is back with us. Kids shows do however seem to me right now like an area that will be less well served in 2010. These productions are planned and booked well in advance, and from the current enquiries I have, I get the feeling that the cycle is shifting here too.
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