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Original poster

What do you eat at the theatre

111 replies

Mistlefrog · 14/11/2022 12:59

I’m going to the theatre for the first time next month and I know it sounds silly but I don’t know what to expect.
Because of work and travel time I won’t have time to have dinner first, do I buy snacks there, or can I take food with me? Is it like the cinema? Or do i just need to be hungry until it’s over.

also do I have to get there much earlier than it starts? Or is 10 minutes to find my seat ok? I don’t have the tickets yet just the booking which says 7.30pm.

OP posts:
JaninaDuszejko · 14/11/2022 14:52

Ì was going to say 'an icecream during the interval' but take something you can eat quickly before you go in. If you want a drink during the interval you'll need to preorder it before the show so if you want to do that get there a bit earlier.

WindyHedges · 14/11/2022 15:31

You do not eat at the theatre.

Have a meal before, or after. Eat something in the interval if you really must.

But do not eat during the show. Ever.

OnABreeze · 14/11/2022 15:32

I'm sure you can take in your lasagne with you.

No, I'm all seriousness it's only acceptable to eat small snacks - the quiet and non-smelly ones they serve like ice-cream. Grab some fast food either before or after (to eat outside).

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Events & celebrations Theatre
Newcatbrowntail · 14/11/2022 15:35

if you are going to the west end theatre, they’ll probably check your bag and won’t allow any food , even sandwiches into the building. Promising to eat it in the interval won’t wash either. I’ve eaten a sandwich outside before. Remember it’s real people on stage who can hear you and smell your food.

maddy68 · 14/11/2022 15:43

It's very bad manners to eat in the theatre. You eat before most theatres have nice dining before.

VeganGordie · 14/11/2022 15:45

too many people moaning about eating during but im sure you'll be fine as long as you're not making load of noise, but they do sell bits during the intervals like ice creams

SayyestoJRM · 14/11/2022 15:46

GetOffTheRoof · 14/11/2022 13:57

Why can't you eat a sandwich or a wrap while driving?

Show quote history

Because it is illegal to eat whilst driving?

DuplicateUserName · 14/11/2022 15:47

Just have a sandwich on the way.

You ticket will tell you what time to arrive.

YogaLite · 14/11/2022 15:48

Best aim to get there for 7ish, if u are late, they probably won't even let u in until the interval.

DuplicateUserName · 14/11/2022 15:49

Newcatbrowntail · 14/11/2022 15:35

if you are going to the west end theatre, they’ll probably check your bag and won’t allow any food , even sandwiches into the building. Promising to eat it in the interval won’t wash either. I’ve eaten a sandwich outside before. Remember it’s real people on stage who can hear you and smell your food.

On the contrary, if you check the websites of most West End theatres, they only ban alcohol and hot food.

WindyHedges · 14/11/2022 15:49

VeganGordie · 14/11/2022 15:45

too many people moaning about eating during but im sure you'll be fine as long as you're not making load of noise, but they do sell bits during the intervals like ice creams

No, not moaning. Just expecting some respect of others. - and the actors!

Abra1t · 14/11/2022 15:50

I hate people eating and drinking during the performance.

Quiet chocolates only!

WindyHedges · 14/11/2022 15:52

If the tickets are for 7:30, this is “curtain up” time. I’d arrive around 7pm. Gives you time to buy a programme and get into your seat. The house (the auditorium) will generally be opened around 30 minutes before the show starts.

Harrysnippleno3 · 14/11/2022 15:52

Because it is illegal to eat whilst driving?

No, it's really not.

In any case that poster suggested a sandwich because OP said they would bring a protein bar for the drive.

GetOffTheRoof · 14/11/2022 15:57

SayyestoJRM · 14/11/2022 15:46

Because it is illegal to eat whilst driving?

Show quote history

No, it's absolutely not illegal to eat whilst driving. Stop reading the clickbait headlines of local papers on Facebook.

Being out of control of the vehicle or allowing your standard of driving to fall short of the standard of a careful driver is illegal.

Eating a sandwich or a wrap is absolutely no different to eating the protein bar the OP suggested they subsist on.

DuplicateUserName · 14/11/2022 16:00

I've just checked the ticket from a show I saw a few weeks ago at the Dominion Theatre.

It says 'Performance starts at 7.30pm. Please arrive from 6.40pm to be seated by 6.55pm. Latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable point in the show'.

Thearex · 14/11/2022 16:02

I'd get there no later than 7.15 to find your seats & go to the loo.

The last few times I have been to the theatre there have been crisps, nuts and sweets to buy. All drinks to taken into the auditorium had to be in a plastic glass.

To add to the chorus, please don't eat during the performance- or get absolutely drunk as a skunk. We went to a show where a group of women were asked to leave they were so drunk and rowdy!

TrentCrimm · 14/11/2022 16:04

Gin and tonic darling.

Harrysnippleno3 · 14/11/2022 16:06

DuplicateUserName · 14/11/2022 16:00

I've just checked the ticket from a show I saw a few weeks ago at the Dominion Theatre.

It says 'Performance starts at 7.30pm. Please arrive from 6.40pm to be seated by 6.55pm. Latecomers will not be admitted until a suitable point in the show'.

I walk in to every show at 7:20/7:25pm. I have no reason to be there before, I extensively research before choosing my end of row seat so I can do this. I'm autistic and can't cope with being there any earlier. You don't get refused for not turning up at your staggered time.

DuplicateUserName · 14/11/2022 16:08

I'd get there no later than 7.15 to find your seats & go to the loo.

If she goes to the loo at 7.15, no way will she be in her seat by 7.30. Well not in any theatre I've ever been in as there's usually a ridiculously tiny amount of loos.

DuplicateUserName · 14/11/2022 16:09

Harrysnippleno3 · 14/11/2022 16:06

I walk in to every show at 7:20/7:25pm. I have no reason to be there before, I extensively research before choosing my end of row seat so I can do this. I'm autistic and can't cope with being there any earlier. You don't get refused for not turning up at your staggered time.

Show quote history

You don't get refused for not turning up at your staggered time.

Of course you don't but that particular theatre has a capacity of 2,069 so they're just trying to do their best for people.

Harrysnippleno3 · 14/11/2022 16:13

Of course you don't but that particular theatre has a capacity of 2,069 so they're just trying to do their best for people.

I do get that, that's why they send staggered times, but if yours is 18:40 you still get in at 7:20 so OP doesn't have to worry about that.

mondaytosunday · 14/11/2022 16:14

You can have one of those ice creams at intermission! But no you can't be chomping away - it is not like the movie theatre (hate people chomping there too).
You can go to the lobby eat your snack during intermission.

Justlovedogs · 14/11/2022 16:24

Off track a little, but am I the only person with visions of the Only Fools and Horses episode where they went to the opera? Grin

whynotwhatknot · 14/11/2022 16:29

id try and aim for about 15 minutes before-depending wher eyour seat is-i went to see Six the other day and people were coming in less than 5 miinutes to go and in our row it really annoyed me

just eat a sandwich on the way in your car