Food and drink in theatre

[Lookforthegoodthings]

Taking my Dd, 6, to The Nutcracker at the weekend. It states that there is no food or drink to be consumed. The show is 90 minutes long. Surely you can bring a bottle of water for children? (and I will need to take a small snack)

What have you done when taking Dc to see a show?

I have to say you sound very entitled

The problem with going out to the toilet is that you disturb everyone else in your row. And the rows behind. The information about the production will tell you if there is an interval and if there isn't I'm sure your 6 year old will manage without a toilet visit for 90 minutes - if they are engaged with the ballet. If you insist on taking a snack make sure it's quiet to unwrap and eat.

Take nothing that makes any noise at all.
Other patrons deserve to hear the show.

If allowed take ..
A small clear bottle of water that doesn't make a crinkle sound and a piece of bread and cheese or a honey sandwich wrapped into a handkerchief or napkin. Nothing crunchy or wrapped in a packet or having to have a lid popped off..

The more your child drinks the more likely she will need to disrupt the seats of patrons to visit the toilet. They usually only let you back in between acts so you will risk missing the performance.

Your six year old will really enjoy The Nutcracker.

Often there is an interval for a toilet break. Don't encourage her to drink a great amount then as she could need the loo again soon.

Some theatres won’t let people back in or make them wait til a suitable pause in the play to avoid disturbing people. They had to stop Macbeth with David Tennant because some theatre goer was kicking up a fuss over not being allowed back to their seat and something similar happened at Stranger Things. People have paid a lot of money for a communal experience of paying attention to professional actors. If you want the comfort of your own home or if your child can’t wait til the interval for a wee or a snack do everyone a favour and stay home.

You’ve been told why. Your child is perfectly capable of not having a drink for an hour and a half. It’s also to stop adults coming in with hidden alcohol. You want a water? Buy her one in the interval.

most theatres have free tap water at the bar.

Assume you're diabetic OP? I'm sure the theatre would allow you to take in a snack. Glucose tablets?

Kids have learned to have no discipline about when to have a drink; they drink more often and go to the toilet more often.
Their drink bottles are always with them so it will take a little adjustment for your child to wait and experience a little thirst.

Perhaps have her watch a TV show the week before for one hour without a drink or a wee or any food.

For the love of god don’t take crackers or rustly snacks, we went to the nutcracker recently and was ruined by people lunching. Also Cinderella last year by a small child talking throughout. The theatre rules are there for a reason

I’d hate to be sitting beside you and your daughter in the theatre.

It's not a cinema, it's a live show. Food rustling etc is disruptive to others and potentially to the cast too. It's disrespectful. If an audience member really can't sit quietly for an hour or so then they just shouldn't come.

This is such a 2024 problem. Back in the 90s kids could easily last 90 minutes with no water. Nowadays it’s all about sipping water every other minute lol definitely don’t bring snacks though, there’s absolutely no need.

Because that's not what bag searches are for. Theatres don't stop you having bottles of water or sweets in your bag. The no food and drink rule means no eating or drinking when you are in your seat watching the performance.

Theatre going has been ruined for me by people who can’t not eat / drink / get up and go to the loo / check their phones and talk. I’ve noticed a total deterioration in concentration of theatre goers since covid and it’s really depressing.

They do stop you taking drinks in in case people try to take alcohol in @IHaveNeverLivedintheCastle

Are you sure it’s not just no outside food or drink? No food or drink at all seems quite unusual in my experience but maybe they’ve had a lot of disruption from people eating and drinking during the performance.

In any case, I don’t think it should be a problem for the vast majority of people (and you’ve already said it won’t be for you). You can probably take the water bottle in empty and fill it in the bathroom if you think it will make the performance more fun but I would probably try and do something like go for afternoon tea just before or after instead, which should make it even more of a “wow” day.

I do hope you and DD enjoy it, OP. I loved live performances when I was that age - such a treat!

You may be able to leave the theatre to go to the toilet but it’s quite normal that they won’t let you back in until there is an appropriate break, like a scene change

I have been at a couple where they have not let you back in at all but that’s because they were filming the show. Plenty of signs were up to advise people of that

It's very normal to not be let back into the theatre until the next interval if you pledge during the performance. It's been the case for as long as I can remember.

Just have them in your bag but be prepared to give them up if asked. As PP have said, though, it really shouldn't be necessary for such a short amount of time. Being a bit more disciplined about when to eat and drink means you can enjoy more experiences like this, that require consideration for fellow audience members. People do not need to graze constantly.

They won't, they're just telling people not to eat a full picnic during the show. I'm sure she can eat a snack in the interval if you're discreet. You're supposed to buy their food (which is very good). No one will bat an eyelid at a water bottle.

Can you seriously not go without for 90 mins?

This is ridiculous. Why on earth can't a child (anyone really) have a drink at a theatre show.
Every theatre show I've ever been too people have drinks, and yes snacks too! Obviously not loud rustly things.
If she needs the toilet of course you will be let back in.

I've never read anything so ridiculous here and that's saying something.

Entitled to want to take a drink for a child . Really?

Newborn babies can go four hours between feeds, pretty sure a six year old should be able to cope for 90 minutes

Thank god - I was starting to think I was insane.

Of course you'll be allowed back in after using the toilet! And of course you can take a drink of water for a child!

The horrible comments are shocking, op really isn't the dick here!

I'll take your word for it. I've never attempted to smuggle alcohol in. I've definitely had water or sweets in my bag with no issues.