Really stupid questions about seeing a show (cabaret) 😳

[Tootiredforallthiscrap]

We’re in London Sunday until Wednesday late afternoon midway through June. On the Monday we’re seeing Cabaret at the KitKat club at the Playhouse theatre (Northumberland ave).
We’ll be sight seeing most of the day and presumably by the evening will be hot and sweaty (appreciate it rains in London too but last time we came down same time of year it was unbearably hot). Not sure whether to schlep back to Goodge st and get changed or just go as we are. Also need to eat as the pre show starts at 18:30 and is not to be missed….
So I guess my questions are - do you have to see all the pre show. Can you turn up at 7pm and see the end of it ?
Do people generally go as they are (scruffy and no chance to freshen up) or would you nip back to your hotel ? I know it’s a daft question and everyone is different but just wondered 😉

I've seen this twice and loved it. The pre-show is fab but you don't need to see all of it. It really adds to the atmosphere tho.

Why don't you pop some makeup, hairbrush and spray in a bag and freshen up in a pub/ cafe loo? Loads of people do similar. I have in the past also packed carefully and changed into a different top in a loo rather than schlepped back to the hotel.

enjoy the show!

it’s not that much of a sheleck

and why don’t you factor in sightseeing to finish up close to hotel

i would 100% want to freshen up beforehand

I often go to the theatre straight from the office, I'd prioritise eating before the show. I haven't been to that show but I wouldn't want to miss the pre-show, or risk being late for the actual show, as they might not let you in until a certain point. It's only a few Tube stops back to your hotel so maybe see how you feel on the day?

Thanks everyone !

Yeah should have thought of that 😂

I went a couple of months ago and most people had dressed up a bit. We got there about 30 mins before it started, it was pretty busy by then and difficult to get to the bar and no room left in the cloakroom. Prob not such an issue now the weather is warmer!

I thought it was incredible، easily the best show I've seen - enjoy!!

The pre show happens in the bars and corridors as you make your way through the theatre to the main auditorium, with the last bits happening on and around the stage. It’s a nice addition but doesn’t matter if you don’t see it all - there’s no ‘story’ to it.

People wear all sorts to the theatre but I couldn’t see me wearing the same casual clothes that suited a day of walking to a show where I’m sitting in close proximity for three hours, I’d definitely want to change and freshen up!

I’m from London and would ideally want to change if I’d been out and about walking all day. Your hotel is so central, it would be easy to pop back.
But I love dressing up, going against the general London grain 😁

If you want to freshen up just factor it in to your day plans.

I'd want to go back to hotel if I'd been out all day.

Have a bit of rest and a gin in a tin. Maybe a shower or get changed. Whatever freshen up means to you!
I'd be exhausted if I stayed out all day

But each to their owns

My day would be
8am ish breakfast
9.30 ish sightseeing

3pm back to hotel
4.30 head out for dinner
6.30 ish arrive theatre

Yes seems a good idea ! Might end up at the british museum which isn’t that far from the hotel…