variety entertainment

variety entertainment

A variety entertainment show features singers, dancers, and acrobats on one stage.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A type of theatrical entertainment: "variety entertainment" refers to a show or performance that consists of a series of different, short acts, such as songs, dances, comedy sketches, acrobatics, and magic tricks. It is also known as a variety show or vaudeville.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The theatre hosted a night of variety entertainment, featuring singers, comedians, and jugglers. (A performance with multiple short acts.)
    • Variety entertainment was popular in the early 20th century, before the rise of television. (A historical form of stage show.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Variety entertainment" is often used as a compound noun to describe a specific genre of live performance that emphasizes diversity in acts.

    • The circus offered a form of variety entertainment, blending clowning with trapeze acts. (A show with mixed performance types.)

  • "Variety entertainment" can also be used in a broader sense to refer to any event with a mix of different performing arts.

    • The festival's variety entertainment included a puppet show, a jazz band, and a fire-eater. (A diverse lineup of acts.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Variety show (n): a synonym for variety entertainment, often used in television or radio contexts.

    • The variety show featured a new comedian every week. (A program with changing acts.)

  • Vaudeville (n): a historical term for a type of variety entertainment popular in the US and Europe from the 1880s to the 1930s.

    • Vaudeville was the dominant form of variety entertainment in America before cinema. (A specific era of variety shows.)
Synonyms
  • Variety show: a performance consisting of multiple short acts.
  • Vaudeville: a historical style of variety entertainment.
  • Revue: a theatrical show with songs, dances, and sketches, often satirical.
Related Idioms

  • "Song and dance": a phrase used to describe a performance or a fuss, but not directly an idiom for variety entertainment.

    • He made a song and dance about the cancellation. (A fuss, not a literal performance.)

  • "The whole show": referring to the entire variety entertainment event.

    • The whole show lasted two hours, with no intermission. (The complete performance.)