A Gentleman’s Guide to Theatre Etiquette
“All the world’s a stage”, as the Bard once wrote, and a gentleman must play his part on every occasion. More so when there’s an actual stage with real actors on it who’re trying to remember their lines and embody someone else for our entertainment.
In order to lose ourselves in the magic of theatre for a couple of hours, we’ll have to co-exist with complete strangers in a confined space so we may as well agree on a few basic etiquette rules.
Theatre manners: All you need to know
1. Don’t follow the crowd
There’s something for every taste so you don’t need to choose a show just because it’s fashionable. If you don’t want to get picked on, avoid front row seats in a stand-up comedy and, if you don’t want to pretend to be taking part in a Roman orgy, avoid immersive renditions of Caligula.
2. Seating plan
Stalls, dress circle, upper circle, gallery. Tickets come in a range of prices, depending on proximity to the stage. A gentleman will gracefully accept the view that comes with the seat he picked. Moving to another seat just because it’s empty or complaining that your “restricted view” ticket actually comes with restricted view is quite unacceptable.
3. Theatre attire
Most theatres don’t implement a dress code but check in advance. Regardless of rules, a gentleman will wear his best out of respect for the artists, more so during opening nights and special performances. Check out our lounge suits and tuxedos for some inspiration.
4. Personal belongings
In the run-up to Christmas, many people combine a day of shopping with an evening at the ballet (the Nutcracker, of course). Check if the theatre offers a cloakroom service and, if it does, use it to avoid knocking people unconscious with your bags.
5. Be on time
Queues for bag inspection or ticket collection are fairly standard so allow enough time to have a drink at the bar and take your seat on time. Remember that traffic makes no allowance for gentlemen so, if you miss the start, you’ll only be admitted when the usher spots a suitable moment.
6. You’re not part of the performance
Don’t make a spectacle of yourself. Chatting, engaging in intimate displays of affection, using your mobile phone or taking up both armrests may distract the actors and audience. And, for the love of whatever you hold dear, don’t sing along unless encouraged to do so. Let the professionals handle the high notes.
7. Can I just squeeze past?
Never draw attention away from the stage unless it’s an actual emergency. If you absolutely need to stand up and leave, apologise to the people you’re inconveniencing and be as quiet as possible.
8. Food and drinks
A 4-hour interpretation of Russia’s complex social structure in the 18th century may call for a chocolate bar but can you really unwrap it without making any noise? Although snacks are acceptable in the cinema, theatre involves live acting which may be disrupted by the audience.
9. Show your appreciation
Applause is expected at the end of each act, after a notable scene and at the end of the play. If you’re unsure when to clap, just wait for someone else to start. Standing ovations and loud outbursts of “Bravo, bravo” are mostly reserved for absolutely exquisite performances.
Good company, a well-selected play and some common sense from everyone in the audience are all we need for a lovely evening. For more style and etiquette tips, sign up to our newsletter and have them delivered regularly to your inbox.
