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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to consider not attending open air theatre tomorrow?

52 replies

blameitonthecaffeine · 12/08/2022 16:29

I have tickets for 101 Dalamatians at Regents Park Open Air Theatre tomorrow afternoon. It's a 2:15 start and it's supposed to be 35 degrees. There is no shade or cover and they don't (obviously) allow umbrellas to be up during the performance. They only cancel performances if it hits 40 degrees.

I'm taking my 4 younger children (between 9 and 15). The younger 3 all want to go, the oldest doesn't mind. We are allowed to wear sun hats and I'll obviously take water, suncream, sunglasses and cover shoulders.

We bought cheap tickets but that's still £125 wasted if we don't go. I am leaning towards thinking it's fine to go but my husband thinks it's dangerous to stay in the direct sun for so long mid afternoon.

Would you still go?

OP posts:
waffleyversatile1 · 12/08/2022 22:44

I have fond memories of attending in the pouring rain. Wet through miserable as sin but pretending to be having a great time. When the weather is good though it's lovely. Out of the 5 times I've been the performances were cancelled 3 times due to rain. But that's only after we all got drenched. I've been to the Globe Theatre on a very very hot day and was sitting in direct sun. I would say that's worse than getting wet.

Original poster
blameitonthecaffeine · 12/08/2022 22:46

Oh that's amazing wifitmama. Thanks so much for the info. Knowing me I'm reading the plan wrong and will be far right but I think we're good!

OP posts:
BeanCalledPickle · 12/08/2022 22:48

I am imagining everyone apart from people on the left leaving! I nearly booked for tomorrow but then went via kids week to &juliet with air con today. Was fabulous!

waffleyversatile1 · 12/08/2022 22:50

Just seen your on the left. Hope you have a great time.

Wiifitmama · 12/08/2022 22:51

The seats by gangway 4 in that whole first section are shaded throughout. The section next to gangway 3 gets the shade par way through and a bit more along too. The rest stays in full sun and is brutal. We go a couple of times a summer (always in the shaded part) and have seen people faint, throw up, etc on the far other side in the full sun. The theatre was not built for the climate we now have. I too remember the days of checking and hoping it wouldn’t rain when we went. That was always the biggest worry. I think at some point, they will be forced to cover the seating areas if this weather continues each summer.

Original poster
blameitonthecaffeine · 12/08/2022 22:56

We are in the gangway 4 part - definitely by good luck rather than good management!!

OP posts:
Stravaig · 12/08/2022 22:57

My 9 year old twins were so upset at bedtime at the prospect of not going so we're going to suck it up and make the best of it.

Why on earth would you allow the 'upset at bedtime' of two 9 year olds to override the judgement of their parent as to wellbeing and safety?

Jamepume · 12/08/2022 22:59

Tell the upset kids it’s been cancelled.

For · 12/08/2022 23:00

No, I wouldn’t take children to something like that tomorrow. Sunscreen and hats are all very well but what about the actual level of heat? Heat stroke heat exhauion heat rash etc?

They’ll end up with headaches feeling sick and crappy, seems cruel.

MaggieFS · 12/08/2022 23:08

To add to your list, take fans or something to flap in case there's no breeze.

Original poster
blameitonthecaffeine · 12/08/2022 23:08

Stravaig because it was a two sides dilemma with pros and cons, not a 'this is definitely a dangerous thing we shouldn't do' type of situation. There will be 100s of people there. When you've paid a lot of money and know it will be a fabulous show, it's not easy to just decide to stay at home and miss out.

Sounds like we've got lucky with the shade anyway.

OP posts:
tulips27 · 12/08/2022 23:11

I've got a lightweight microfibre sports towel that I've used to block the sun in the past watching tennis. I draped it over my head and shoulders with a tiny bit sticking out beyond the forehead to create a bit of a visor effect. It depends on which direction the sun is coming from, I suppose.

RayneDance · 12/08/2022 23:15

I'm astonished people are talking about " that place" as though it's a bunker somewhere.

We are talking about an open air theatre? How can there be no air?

Op will you report back if you go.
We are due to go next week when I'm sure it will be the flash flood fears!!

I went years ago In the pm and in sure it was open areas?

RayneDance · 12/08/2022 23:16

Also it's not like you have to endure a train/tube schlep.

Good luck op!

RayneDance · 12/08/2022 23:19

@Wiifitmama

You have seen people faint and throw up in brutal sun ☀️, so much so you have a military approach to the seating plan and yet...the organisers have missed this??

Original poster
blameitonthecaffeine · 12/08/2022 23:20

Thanks Raynedance Yes, I will report back.

OP posts:
Original poster
blameitonthecaffeine · 12/08/2022 23:23

Cross post. There may be a few over the top reactions but Wifitmama has been extremely helpful. I can well imagine people getting that I'll in 2+ hours of direct sun. Out of 100s of people, many will be especially sensitive to the sun.

OP posts:
RayneDance · 12/08/2022 23:24

All adds to the drama I suppose 😂

perimenofertility · 12/08/2022 23:28

@RayneDance
We are talking about an open air theatre? How can there be no air?

They layout of the seating in a circular shape creates a sort of vacuum that blocks any breeze, combined with direct sun because no shade, the heat builds up and the fresh air reduces even though the top is open.

GADDay · 12/08/2022 23:31

Fill a small spray bottle with water. I live in a hot climate and this is a great way to keep cool.

If you are taking icepacks in your cooler wrap them with damp cloths. Great around the neck to cool off.

Mostly just ensure heaps of water, no fizzy drinks or juice. Feed the children well in advance and take a few glucose sweets for a treat.

You will be fine. Have fun.

RayneDance · 12/08/2022 23:32

It sounds awful! A vacuum at the best of times!!

Thankfully we are going in the pm....with ponchos at the ready!

RayneDance · 13/08/2022 16:56

@blameitonthecaffeine how did it go!!

Hope everyone Made it out alive!

Was it good??

Original poster
blameitonthecaffeine · 13/08/2022 19:59

@Raynedance it was all good for us. We were indeed in shade the whole time so it was hot but perfectly ok.

The far side though - eek! About 80% had gone or moved before the end. There were some spare seats in the shade so they filled up then people started leaving.

The theatre put 2 extra intervals in though that was more for the cast, I think.

There were dozens of tiny children there, many of whom didn't stay. I don't know if some people hadn't realised it's not a Disney show. It's a good show for children but not under 7s, I wouldn't say.

Glad I went though because we were totally fine where we were.

OP posts:
Roselilly36 · 13/08/2022 20:05

I would go but be prepared, sunscreen, hats, cold drinks, fans, ice cream in the interval etc. I can only assume PP never go abroad in the summer!

RayneDance · 13/08/2022 20:11

Mumsnet is a miracle in these time's isn't it!!
Thank goodness you were able to go and in shade.
I'm glad you enjoyed it but I really feel for the poor people in the sun