Family Theatre Tips

What better way to enjoy a day out with the family than going to the theatre? These days there are so many deals and discounts available that your trip doesn’t even need to break the bank. And, if you’re new to the game or have any questions regarding a visit to the theatre with your loved ones, we’ve put together a handy guide featuring lots of useful tips for you and the family.

Theatre etiquette

It is expected that you will know how to behave when visiting the theatre, however, if you’ve never been you might not be aware of all the unwritten rules. But, that’s no reason to cancel your outing. First of all, there is no need to wear a tuxedo or a ball gown, but it can be fun to make an effort when visiting the theatre and you won’t stand out if you are smartly dressed.

Most West End shows start at around 7:30 but you should always go online or check your tickets to ensure you don’t turn up late. It’s a good idea to get to the theatre at least half an hour early so you have plenty of time to find your seats.

Filming with your smart phone or taking pictures using a flash is not allowed and could even result in you being asked to leave. Talking during the performance is also frowned upon and you must ensure you have turned your phone off as forgetting to do so could result in some uncomfortable stares from the other theatregoers.

Taking your family to the theatre

Taking children to the theatre can be a wonderful experience, however there are plenty of things to be aware of if you are planning to make it an enjoyable, stress-free experience.

Always make sure the tickets you are booking are for seats that are together, it may seem obvious to you but it’s best to double check as some tickets are sold in pairs so they might not be in the same row, which could impair your enjoyment if you are constantly checking to see if your little ones are behaving.

Most theatres offer booster seats if your children are stuck behind someone who is a lot taller, however, these are limited and given out on a first come first served basis so you’ll need to be quick. If you miss the booster seats, you can always swap seats with your children to balance things out.

You should always make sure the show is age appropriate for your children as some shows will be aimed at adults and will have a minimum age restriction. If the theatre doesn’t have a specified minimum age they will allow younger children as long as they are accompanied by an adult who is confident that the child will remain engaged with the performance and will not become a distraction to the rest of the audience.

West End shows tend to finish late so if you have younger children and you’re worried they may become to tired to enjoy the show all the way through there are also matinee shows which start a lot earlier and may be more suitable.