What does one wear to a London theatre on a Monday evening on a date?

[SausagesSausagesAndMoreSausages]

Just that really! I haven’t been to the theatre for ages. Do people smarten up or does no one care?

In between the two - nicer than a Sunday morning trip to the supermarket, but not fancy fancy. Whatever you’d wear to feel nice but not overdressed to go for dinner with friends

Slightly depends on the theatre - donmar / national is going to be very different to a musical. But it’s a very mixed bag - lots straight from work, plenty in jeans and plenty more dressed to the nines. You won’t look out of place whichever option you choose but if it’s a date I’d go with skirt / dress.

Honestly I’ve seen a whole spectrum at the theatre - but the things I go to see maybe doesn’t have the type of crowd to go to town on dressing up.
I often go after work if I can nab a last minute ticket to something I want to see, just come in my very casual work clothes. And if I’m going specifically out to go to the theatre I’m still not ‘dressed up’. Just go in whatever you feel comfortable in.

I think the clue here is 'date night' so dress to impress - the sort of thing you'd wear to a fancy/expensive restaurant. For me that's a subtly sparkly/sexy top, plain dark trousers, fun/sexy shoes (depending how much walking is involved) and other evening accessories - perfume, sparkly handbag? extra jewellery?

Thanks so much. It’s Hills of California at the Harold Pinter. Based on your helpful replies I’ll pick a nice dress he hasn’t seen before with Doc Martens. Sound ok?

it’s kind of a ‘significant’ date - we’ve only known each other a few weeks, but never done anything but go to the pub and knock about our home town before now.

Theatre - you can wear anything that's intact and clean. The date is the important bit. What would you wear if you were going for dinner? That'll be fine.

I think this sounds just right. Don’t overdress. Most people will be coming from work. I hope you have a nice evening and things progress for you.

https://www.allsaints.com/women/dresses/tian-sanibel-jacquard-mini-dress/WD560Z-4061.html?cid=22006

Thanks everyone! I've got my eye on this

Ooh @SausagesSausagesAndMoreSausages that’s a lovely dress!

I have just bought a lovely navy blue jump suit, really comfortable and flattering (Lipsy via Next), navy blue trainers, cream jacket and a large blue/beige silky scarf. Looks fab!

I have noticed people very rarely dress up for the theatre anymore. Very rare to see people dressed up on a Monday evening - I go in work clothes so usually a smart-ish dress. That All Saints dress is nice, but quite overdressed compared to what others are likely to be wearing. That said, it depends on your personal style a bit and significantly- no one will care! I’ve never side eyed people who are dressed up and would be hugely surprised if others did.

I like to dress up a little when going to the theatre- makes it more of a night out. I’ll probably put on a maxi or midi dress.

Whatever one wants.

Some people do dress up a bit, but lots coming directly from the office, plus tourists in trainers and cagoules

I went straight from work to the theatre a couple of weeks ago so I was wearing work clothes, I wore a nicer blouse than I normally would, jeans, oversize blazer and trainers. I'd say others were pretty casual too.

No one cares, I go regularly , people wear what they like.
As a child, years ago, you dressed up, but that all changed long ago.

Your outfit sounds great, @SausagesSausagesAndMoreSausages - but how about silk rather than polyester:

https://uk.realisationpar.com/the-sofia-passion/

Oh gosh, wear whatever makes you feel a million dollars. Don't worry about a dress code - as others have said, anything goes. Worry about the date!😜

She’s going on a ‘significant’ date, @LMMuffet …

It may well be that half the audience is at the theatre on a Monday night for exactly the same reason!

You've massivly gone up a price range there!

OP I love that Allsaints dress (but I love All Saints in general. They are so flattering.

That’s a beautiful dress! But out of my price range and I’ve bought the All Saints one now 😃

Looks like we’re going for dinner first too. Exciting.

Thanks you lovely lot.

I went to see this a couple of weeks ago. Most people were in ordinary day clothes - either office type wear or jeans and tops. I didn’t clock anyone dressed up.

I’d dress for the date, not the theatre as such since nobody really ‘dresses’ for the theatre anymore. Are you going somewhere nice for dinner? If it were me I’d probably go with a day dress that can be styled with jacket/shoes/accessories as cool casual. Something that makes you look stylish and attractive but doesn’t say ‘trying too hard’

The dress you bought is perfect OP. I went to a few London shows last winter and there was a real spread between people just turning up in whatever (tourists!) and people who felt like looking a bit special.

But if you still have doubts, I'm going to see Hills of California tonight, so I can report back!

I was at a matinee last weekend and wore wide leg trousers, merino jumper, trainers and nice jacket. Felt like I'd pitched it right. It was daytime though. Enjoy the show!

By the way, ‘The Hills of California’ is fabulous - I loved it.