West end opening night

[Sandytoxic]

My daughter has finally got a west end show job! I am of course going to opening night, but what to wear? I know theatre is very casual these days, so the hall gown and tiara is probably a no, but I want something more than “ jeans and a sparkly top” Hit me up! ( 5 foot 2, bit overweight, short brown hair)

People don't really dress up for the theatre. The audience will be dressier at Covent Garden for the Royal Opera and Royal Ballet, but not for the smaller West End theatres. I don't go to musicals but possibly if it's a glitzy show it might be dressier.

As you've given no indication of budget or what you might like, can't really suggest much beyond maybe buy a new dress, top, jumpsuit, jacket, whatever, but a "day" outfit not an evening outfit.

I hope you enjoy it.

Oddly enough I thought of MN S&B while sitting in the ROH cafe one evening this week: everything from straight off the street after shopping, complete with anoraks and carrier bags, to full length black velvet and an ocean of pearls. So I’d imagine the dress code for West End theatre is even looser!

What do you enjoy wearing or feel you look good in?

I did see a noticeably pretty green printed tiered dress - wonderfully wide around but only to the knee. Looked kind of Farm Rio but maybe a bit more expensive.

Obviously you want to look lovely as you're there to support your DD and likely to see her afterwards etc

I'd probably wear either a dress or black jeans / trousers and a nice blouse. Depending on the weather either boots or trainers

On the whole it's smart casual which includes jeans and trainers

People do like to dress nicely just not in fancy evening wear like ball gown or cocktail dress

Opening night or press night? If press night, definitely dressier as it's a big event

Ive been to a few opening nights and press nights, just managed to get tickets for that night, and nobody really dressed up, other than the red carpet celebs having their photos taken.

Congratulations on your daughter's debut it will be amazing for you. Take your Kleenex and don't worry what you look like. My daughter did one west end show...sang a song solo too.... so proud of her. She's now a trainee solicitor!! Still proud of her.

LBD , patterned tights and heeled boots with a blazer over the top

Oh, wonderful! Well done to DD. My go-to outfit these days for when I want to be fancy but not stand out if others are casual is: black trousers, bit of a flare, from MaxMara; silver shirt, big collar, big cuffs, quite Studio 54 70's look, Cos. Depending on how va-va-voom I want to be, I can add heels (or chunky flats with jewels if I'm walking any distance), big jewellery, fancy clutch bag, and let the hair and make-up do the rest of the lifting. And if I'm on public transport on a chilly night, I can put a long wool coat and big scarf over the lot and I'm good to go.

Have a lovely time.

Aw thanks for all those great comments!

It’s “ why am I so single”, and DD tells me that feather boas feature in the show, so I’m thinking black palazzo pants, smartish top and a boa!

I'd wear a dress and chunky boots with some clanky bangles. Would never just wear jeans to the theatre, ballet etc

You’re not Leesa Tulley’s DM are you?!

I'm not, no!

Ahh, my DD is her biggest fan and so we are going to see this asap when it opens! Hope you have a fab time and good luck to your DD!

Well. I don’t know the show - but might this be appropriate?

https://batsheva.com/en-gb/collections/new-arrivals/products/spinster-hand-knit-vest-pre-order?variant=44439360504057

Honestly, anything you want to wear will be fine! As part of my job I used to go to press nights in the West End all the time and absolutely anything goes. Most people go straight from work and wear their office clothes. People associated with the production probably make a bit more of an effort, but even then, unless it’s a big opening with some very starry names involved, it’s still pretty low-key.