Perhaps because of the influence of the television, many cinemas and theatres have closed in British towns recently. However, most British towns have at least one cinema, and a big towns and cities have several. You can find theatres only in big towns. If you want to go to the theatre, it is often necessary to book a seat before you go. If you book seats, you can choose the ones you want on a plan. Seats on the ground level are normally called the stalls; seats on the first floor are called the circle; if there are seats on the second floor, they are called the balcony. In the theatre these are the cheapest seats and if you sit high up in the balcony, we often say that you are sitting `in the gods`.
There are different kinds of films. A `U` film is suitable for general exhibitions which means that anybody can see it. Children can go to an `A` film, but they must never be alone. People over 14, but fewer than 18 can go to an `AA` film. If the film is evening, they must always be with their parents or some other adult. People over the age of 18 can go to an `X` film.
When you go into the theatre or cinema, an usherette will take your ticket and show you to your seat. It is not necessary to give her a tip. You can find out what is on at the cinema or theatre by looking in the paper. The local paper for each town will have details of cinema performances and quality national papers carry details of theatre programme in London.
