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Original poster

Guidance please - 'The Iion King' dress code

26 replies

AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 17:38

Good evening - I am seeking some guidance please. I am taking my partner to London, in a couple of weeks, to see the 'Lion King' at the Lyceum Theatre. Although she knows that we are going to London for an event, she does not know what - it is to be a big surprise! BUT, she is, naturally, asking questions about dress code and I am unsure of how to advise her! Would smart casual be acceptable, as in a dress or jeans with a blouse and ankle boots, or is it more formal attire for something like this? For context, she is 5'8", slim and 58 years of age and our seats are in the Royal Circle.
And for me? Is a suit or collar, tie and waistcoat too 'stuffy'?
Probably overthinking, but any guidance would be gratefully received

OP posts:
Highlyflavouredgravy · 02/03/2023 17:40

Jeans snd a nice top. Same for you.

Sillybillypoopoomummy · 02/03/2023 17:42

smart/casual would be fine - really anything goes for the theatre. If you are going to a restaurant afterwards (got to Cicchetti!) dress for that, but don't worry about the theatre!

SnackyOnassis · 02/03/2023 17:44

You get all sorts really, people will be coming in hiking boots and backpacks or nice dresses and suits depending on what the rest of their day or evening looks like!
My only guidance would be practical points: no bare legs - theatres in London get draughty around your legs and also avoid high heels, the steps up to circle seating can be absolutely neckbreaking.

Have fun, it sounds like a lovely treat!!

Original poster
AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 17:44

Thank you @Highlyflavouredgravy and @Sillybillypoopoomummy

OP posts:
Original poster
AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 17:46

Thank you @SnackyOnassis too, very much appreciated!

OP posts:
Mrsjayy · 02/03/2023 17:50

I usually wear trousers and a nice top you really can't go wrong. What a lovely surprise you/she will love it, it's a fantastic show.

NatashaDancing · 02/03/2023 18:27

You're over thinking it.

What would you wear on a Saturday night in an average pub or an OK, but not special, restaurant. Or whatever you had been wearing for the rest of the day in London.

Original poster
AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 18:32

Yes @Mrsjayy, I am very much looking forward to it too! We are from the depths of the rural West Country and it is very unlike the usual kind of thing we attend😀

OP posts:
Echobelly · 02/03/2023 18:37

You don't need to dress in any particular way at all, most people are totally casual in West End theatre, maybe smart casual at most. You'd feel rather out of place dressed up.

InstagramBitchWife · 02/03/2023 18:38

There's no dress code.

Zola1 · 02/03/2023 18:39

We usually dress very casually, jeans etc!

salamanderturtle · 02/03/2023 18:41

Don’t go formal. Nice casual I would say. Many people there will be super casual so no need to dress up. Jeans and a nice tip would be more than enough! Enjoy it’s my fav show!

Mushroo · 02/03/2023 18:44

To echo other posters, there’s no dress code but you’d look more out of place very dressed up.

Id go for a dress and flats, or jeans and a nice top. (Maybe more the dress if going for dinner as well).

For a man I’d suggest jeans / chinos and shirt, maybe a casual blazer if that’s your thing. No tie or waistcoat though!

Mrsjayy · 02/03/2023 18:47

AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 18:32

Yes @Mrsjayy, I am very much looking forward to it too! We are from the depths of the rural West Country and it is very unlike the usual kind of thing we attend😀

It's a great show. We saw the touring version a few years ago.was a great night out.

Whataretheodds · 02/03/2023 18:51

There is no dress code. Make sure your partner knows how much walking there will be, and how much inside/outside time. No mud!

PuppyMonkey · 02/03/2023 18:53

It’s amazing OP, I was in tears nearly the whole way through because I could hardly cope with how incredible it was. The opening scene - OMG…..

Nobody will notice what you’re wearing!

Original poster
AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 19:08

Thank you all, I am certain that we will have a fabulous time - @Whataretheodds, our hotel is only a 20 minute walk away from the theatre and we walk a good deal at home anyway. As for the lack of mud, we are going to Cheltenham races the day after we get back so will, no doubt, get mud on our feet then. Back to normality!

OP posts:
evemillbank · 02/03/2023 19:14

I always wear jeans

OneFrenchEgg · 02/03/2023 21:03

Wear what you want, probably not an evening gown. I see people in suits after work, fleece tops and trainers, jeans and a sparkly top, glam dresses - going out is fun! I'm making an effort for the next time as we are doing drinks and dinner as well.

Lcb123 · 02/03/2023 21:05

You’re really over thinking. It’s dark in the theatre, you could probably wear your PJs and no one would care. It will prob be full of teenagers on school trips

Whataretheodds · 03/03/2023 09:00

AsanteSana · 02/03/2023 19:08

Thank you all, I am certain that we will have a fabulous time - @Whataretheodds, our hotel is only a 20 minute walk away from the theatre and we walk a good deal at home anyway. As for the lack of mud, we are going to Cheltenham races the day after we get back so will, no doubt, get mud on our feet then. Back to normality!

Yes but if your partner is getting up she may want to wear heels - so tell her, not me, how much walking is involved!

ThreeFeetTall · 03/03/2023 09:29

Totally thought this thread was going to be about how to dress as a lion for a fancy dress party Blush

Daffodilsandbeer · 03/03/2023 09:34

It’s a great show, dress code is pretty much the same if you’re going cinema or pub.

BellatrixLestrangesHeatedCurlers · 03/03/2023 09:44

PuppyMonkey · 02/03/2023 18:53

It’s amazing OP, I was in tears nearly the whole way through because I could hardly cope with how incredible it was. The opening scene - OMG…..

Nobody will notice what you’re wearing!

Hahaha I'm glad I'm not the only one. Took my DM a few months ago to see it, we got about twenty seconds in, looked at each other and we were both crying.

BreviloquentBastard · 03/03/2023 09:46

Oh it's wonderful, have an amazing time!

I just wore jeans and a jumper, there's lots of kids and families so there's no real dress code, just be comfy and enjoy!