"So why on earth would we go out for an evening, just to listen? "

One of the reasons why I don't bother to go out much any more. I never liked just sitting watching theatre much either, was always happier when doing something practical. If I want to just watch or listen, there's TV, Video, Radio and CDs... and the net...

Also when in the medieval group, many preferred to just sit in the feasting hall, I preferred to to be running the event, cooking, solving unforseen hassles on my feet to make the evening smooth etc.