What is theatre etiquette?
Theatre etiquette is the phrase we use to describe a set of rules and expected behaviours when you step inside an auditorium especially, but not exclusively, to watch a play or musical.
Why is theatre etiquette important?
Theatre etiquette is extremely important for ensuring everyone in the auditorium has a pleasant experience. Many people in the theatre invest a great deal of time and money into creating a fabulous theatregoing experience. So to have it taken away by members of the public that behave in a thoughtless manner can disrupt the entire show for performers, staff and all other members of the audience.
Can I arrive late to the theatre?
No! Please arrive in time to be in your seat for the advertised start time!
While audience members can arrive late to the theatre, performances in theatres will usually begin promptly at the advertised start time. So if you arrive late, you’ll miss part of the action. Some shows will not let in late-comers until a suitable moment in the show, so you may miss lots of the performance.
Try to arrive at the theatre at least 15 minutes before the show so that you can go to the toilet, get a drink, be in your seat in good time and relax.
The “bar bell” will be rung 5 minutes before the start of the show (at the beginning and during the interval) to indicate you should take your seats.
Can I talk during a show?
It’s best to not speak during a show, or keep speaking to a bare minimum, as the noise can distract others around you and potentially the performers. If you need to say something important during a performance, do it during the applause, or whisper quietly.
In plays and musicals please do not be tempted to join in, speaking along with or repeating lines or singing along unless invited to do so by the cast. Remember that other members of the audience have to come to listen to the performers not you!
Can I eat and drink in the theatre?
The Playhouse has a fully licensed bar, selling a wide range of alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and snacks. You are allowed to take these into the auditorium and plastic drinking glasses are provided to facilitate this. Glassware of any kind may not be taken into the auditorium. Please return empty glasses, bottles and cans to the bar or foyer when leaving the auditorium.
For most shows you can pre-order drinks for the interval (if there is one) before the start of the show. Drinks will be ready for you on the tables as soon as you leave the auditorium for the break. This will save you time queueing at the bar.
If possible, avoid eating smelly snacks which will waft around the auditorium! Also, please be considerate with noisy packaging, such as crisp packets and sweet wrappers. If you’re going to open a can, a packet or wrapper during a performance, wait until a moment of applause so that the sound isn’t quite as obvious. Nobody wants to hear food packets rustling or crisps being munched during a silent moment on stage! You can ask the bar staff for a plastic cup that you can empty your sweets into before the start of the performance.
Please dispose of empty bags and wrappers in the bins provided.
Can I smoke in the theatre?
Smoking or vaping is not permitted in any part of The Playhouse at any time.
There are some productions which use smoke, and the law allows actors to use cigarettes during the show. But that doesn’t give you an excuse to smoke!
If there is to be smoking as part of the production we will usually advise the audience either by announcement or in the programme.
Can I use my mobile phone in the theatre?
During the show, you are not allowed to use your mobile phone in the theatre. Don’t text, make calls, or answer calls during a live performance: It’s extremely distracting for theatregoers around you, and can be offensive to the actors performing on stage.
We ask that you turn off your phone, or at least put it into airplane mode, before a performance. If your phone does go off, silence the call immediately and put your phone away. If you are caught using your phone during a performance, you may be asked to leave.
Can I take pictures during a performance?
You cannot take pictures during a performance itself except where it is explicitly stated in the programme or by announcement. This is for copyright and licensing reasons.
Can I film during a performance?
Generally speaking you are not allowed to film during a performance. Again, this is for copyright and licensing reasons. If you are seen filming a live performance you may be asked to leave the theatre.
If filming is permitted performers will make it clear either by announcement or in the programme.
And finally
Please remember that all of our “staff” are there to help you but they are all volunteers. There is no need for rude or aggressive behaviour toward anyone and it will not be tolerated.
The most important thing is that everyone – cast, crew, staff and audience – want to have an enjoyable evening, a good time, so please be mindful and considerate of everyone around you and above all enjoy the show!