What to wear for theatre

[Shallysally]

I’m going to the Novello theatre to see Mamma Mia. Says in website there is no dress code, wear whatever is comfortable.

I was going to wear a dressy dress, but not sure now. Alternatives are straight black jeans and a top, or a dress and thick tights with flats.

Don’t want to be over dressed!

So generally if I go to the theatre I wear jeans, boots and a nice coat. If you're a big theatre go-er it's not the done thing to dress up, unless it's a gala performance, an opening night at the ballet, an opera or a fundraiser etc. If you want to fit in, I'd dress like you would if you were going to the cinema and then having dinner with some friends.

That said, there are always some people who do dress up - if I'm being totally blunt it does mark them out as being from out of town, coming in for a big day of it, often on a hen-do or big birthday celebration. But it's nice to have a chance to get dressed up after so long, so who can blame anyone!

Personally I'd go with the black jeans option.

I went to the theatre to see a musical 2 weeks ago. People were dressed comfortably. I wore black trousers and a top. My sister wore jeans and a jumper. We both fitted in fine.

Whatever you want! If you fancy dressing up.. go for it. Sometimes we need a little glam in our lives, equally young can wear something less dressy if you want. I usually dress up a little for an evening show

When it comes to London I'm a firm believer in dressing to feel comfortable in the company you're with because the venue doesn't care.

So if I was going to the theatre alone or straight from work I would go in whatever I had on that day. If I was going with friends or my husband I would dress up a bit.

People at Mamma Mia will be in all sorts, including dressy outfits. You might stand out a bit in a ballgown & tiara or Kate's gold Bond dress but otherwise whatever you feel comfortable and good in will work.

I do recommend a cross body bag that you can keep on your lap though, because it's so much easier when people need to get past you when you're seated.

Any time I go to the theatre I wear clothes that are comfortable for sitting down - nothing worse than a tight waistband for distracting you from the action on stage.
I like to people watch when the audience is getting seated and there really doesnt seem to be a dress code for theatre going. And to be honest nobody cares a jot - unless as a PP says its a gala or Premier night .

Go with layers, the theatre can get really warm during the performance, but it will be chilly when you leave.

Two theatre gowns if possible to avoid your bum hanging out

Not too many clothes - London theatres are HOT. Wear what you want. Personally I prefer to wear something a bit nicer than jeans, especially in the evening, but there will be every outfit imaginable there.

Whatever you’re most comfortable in, both sitting down and moving about (I hear some people do, at Mamma Mia ).
Have a great time.

Whatever you are wearing that day is fine - people will be mostly wearing smartish casual generally, even at the opera people were wearing jeans

Thank you everyone! Going to go black jeans, top and a light wool longer cardi/coat so not bulky for holding in the seat.

Thanks for the tip re a bag @AppleWitch!

Definitely no need to dress up for Mamma Mia. I never dress up for musicals.
If you are short of body like me I actually recommend a bulkier outer layer so you can fold it up to use as a booster seat