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I have been to the theatre both in the West End and on Broadway and I’d say BY FAR that in the West End there’s a bigger snacking culture. I am super aware of the noise and inconvenience that these kind of snacks can create for the performers and other viewers so I never snack myself, so it was really shocking for me to see so many people eating the first time I was in a show in London. Moreso because I had been in New York before and no one seemed to eat during the shows there.
That's such an interesting insight, thanks for sharing! I do agree with you that a lot of people get drinks and noisy snacks like crisps during shows in London and sometimes there's a general lack of awareness how noisy they are (even when they are trying to keep it quiet). I did feel that Broadway was also very noisy, especially when it comes to settling in after the interval but it might be just the productions that I went to see. Either way, I'm like you - not a massive fan of snacking during the performance.
The folks who use their phone during a show tend to be people who are not big theatre-goers. They're either tourists from places where theatre is not so popular, or they might be used to concerts where everyone has their phone out. I went to see Mean Girls recently and I was very much in the minority, being male and not 16-23 years old. Most of audience were young women who loved the movie and probably not regular theatre goers, so it should surprise no one that many were Instagramming their experience left, right and centre. Hopefully they enjoyed the experience, and will keep coming back to the theatre and eventually pick up on the etiquette. Oh and PS I was surprised how few laughs that show got. I think the problem might have been that the audience already knew most of the big lines. Could also be that the show stank.
I'd agree with you! Everyone is so used to filming every single aspect of their lives and theatre feels like one of the few places that preserves IRL experiences. I haven't seen Mean Girls yet but I'm not surprised that's the case. I've heard that MJ the musical was also packed with people using their phones. Hope that doesn't become a trend!
Yes…..was going to mention Seatplan…..great to see view….overhang….as well as details on legroom and comfort…..also if you need assistance it helps a lot to advise ahead of time/theatres are generally very, very helpful (eg secret doors to minimise steps)……and yes no snacks- enjoy them in the interval
I hate that I only just heard of Seatplan recently. There have been several times where the website hasn't said that the view is restricted but when I got there, it wasn't as good as you'd hope
I have another mistake you could have, if your stage dooring learn names. Don’t just learn the names of the big actors try and learn the ensemble as they do just as much. Also I got some names muddles up where someone was an understudy on for a role and I knew that it was an understudy and my brain just blanked and I thought it was a different understudy to the role they were playing
If the seat is 'restricted view' at the Criterion are Restricted... you wont be able to see them, and even if the audience is empty you wont be allowed to move
Not in the West End ….Starlight Express is nowhere near central London……and Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre is away from theatre land but handy for the riverboats
If you aren't a native speaker, here are the best shows to enjoy London theatre experience: ruclips.net/video/jsVdyx3YVEM/видео.htmlsi=a45XYlNV5i89Dfpa 🎭
I have been to the theatre both in the West End and on Broadway and I’d say BY FAR that in the West End there’s a bigger snacking culture. I am super aware of the noise and inconvenience that these kind of snacks can create for the performers and other viewers so I never snack myself, so it was really shocking for me to see so many people eating the first time I was in a show in London. Moreso because I had been in New York before and no one seemed to eat during the shows there.
That's such an interesting insight, thanks for sharing! I do agree with you that a lot of people get drinks and noisy snacks like crisps during shows in London and sometimes there's a general lack of awareness how noisy they are (even when they are trying to keep it quiet). I did feel that Broadway was also very noisy, especially when it comes to settling in after the interval but it might be just the productions that I went to see. Either way, I'm like you - not a massive fan of snacking during the performance.
The folks who use their phone during a show tend to be people who are not big theatre-goers. They're either tourists from places where theatre is not so popular, or they might be used to concerts where everyone has their phone out. I went to see Mean Girls recently and I was very much in the minority, being male and not 16-23 years old. Most of audience were young women who loved the movie and probably not regular theatre goers, so it should surprise no one that many were Instagramming their experience left, right and centre. Hopefully they enjoyed the experience, and will keep coming back to the theatre and eventually pick up on the etiquette. Oh and PS I was surprised how few laughs that show got. I think the problem might have been that the audience already knew most of the big lines. Could also be that the show stank.
I'd agree with you! Everyone is so used to filming every single aspect of their lives and theatre feels like one of the few places that preserves IRL experiences. I haven't seen Mean Girls yet but I'm not surprised that's the case. I've heard that MJ the musical was also packed with people using their phones. Hope that doesn't become a trend!
Yes…..was going to mention Seatplan…..great to see view….overhang….as well as details on legroom and comfort…..also if you need assistance it helps a lot to advise ahead of time/theatres are generally very, very helpful (eg secret doors to minimise steps)……and yes no snacks- enjoy them in the interval
I hate that I only just heard of Seatplan recently. There have been several times where the website hasn't said that the view is restricted but when I got there, it wasn't as good as you'd hope
I have another mistake you could have, if your stage dooring learn names. Don’t just learn the names of the big actors try and learn the ensemble as they do just as much. Also I got some names muddles up where someone was an understudy on for a role and I knew that it was an understudy and my brain just blanked and I thought it was a different understudy to the role they were playing
That's such a good tip, thank you for sharing! Often the leads get the most or all of the attention!
If the seat is 'restricted view' at the Criterion are Restricted... you wont be able to see them, and even if the audience is empty you wont be allowed to move
That’s a really good tip, thanks for sharing! Some theatres are defo better than others for restricted view seats.
This is so insightful! Thank you, Kristina.
Thank you so much for watching! ❤ glad to hear you've find it insightful!😊
Other suggestion be mindful of matinee performances and also Sunday performances as they vary considerably
Not in the West End ….Starlight Express is nowhere near central London……and Guys and Dolls at the Bridge Theatre is away from theatre land but handy for the riverboats
Yes! That’s such a valid point! ☺️