Shorts in the theatre?

[showtoones]

I’ll be in London this week and as the weather is supposed to be quite warm… are shorts allowed in the theatre? And do most people wear shorts or long pants?

[ceebee]

Jul 15, 2024 20:14:27 GMT showtoones said:

I’ll be in London this week and as the weather is supposed to be quite warm… are shorts allowed in the theatre? And do most people wear shorts or long pants?

Most people typically wear trousers/long pants / jeans, but shorts would be fine, especially when it is warm.  Most London theatres have relaxed dress codes.  Enjoy!

[BurlyBeaR]

It’s Booty all the way for me. Summer, Winter, whatever. Give’em what they want 😬

[lynette]

Personally speaking, shorts on males only if you are under 10 unless you are on the beach.

[Talisman]

Have worn seats in poshest seats at Royal Opera, Covent Garden. (Got given seats, couldn’t afford them.)

Absolutely fine to wear as casual as you like unless it some special gala or similar

[danb]

Shorts shaming? Really?

Skirts aren’t really an option.

[amyja89]

I (adult female) have worn shorts plenty of times at the theatre, never even considered it to be an issue!

[properjob]

Shorts are fine

[blamerobots]

I just learnt the hard way as it was chucking it down with rain outside Hello Dolly as I ran for the station. No coat, with a t-shirt, shorts, and camp little shoulder bag.

I think it is fine to wear shorts in the theatre, I do mostly. Just bring an umbrella right now... who knows what'll happen with the weather

[sph]

I don't see any issue with shorts at the theatre. I am far less concerned with what people wear to the theatre than I am with how they behave when they're there.

[Dr Tom]

Shorts were really common on Broadway this past week (it was hot).

I wouldn’t wear them, but people do. It wouldn’t be common in London, but there’s no dress code. I’d stay away from Bermuda shorts.

[ThereWillBeSun]

Shorts are fine!

(Just don’t be topless - women/men and everyone inbetween)

[ceebee]

Nice to see so many positive answers. Sometimes on here, people can be a bit...ummm...short....

[Someone in a tree]

Go for it.

Thankfully the dresscode to the theatre today is now much less formal.

Shorts anyday over someone texting, singing, eating and fighting along to the show

[Talisman]

A few years ago an unenlightened teacher was taking a group of sixth formers to ENO as part of their studies and insisted on evening dress. They sat totally embarrassed in the cheap seats in the balcony.

[n1david]

Jul 16, 2024 0:28:39 GMT ThereWillBeSun said:

Shorts are fine!

(Just don’t be topless - women/men and everyone inbetween)

You say that, but... many years ago a Fringe theatre in London opened a 'cabaret space' which was not much more than a broom cupboard. We were all sitting at cafe tables and, with it being the summer, the space heated up quickly. About two thirds of the way through the show I became aware of movement to my left and behind me and when I was able to check I was horrified to see the man next to me had taken his T-shirt off. And he was sweaty...

Never visited that cabaret space again.

[craigbowker]

Unless it's Opera or some of kind of upper crust event, shorts are fine. West End and Broadway theatres have shifted to a come-as-you are dress code decades ago.

[Jan]

Jul 16, 2024 0:28:39 GMT ThereWillBeSun said:

Shorts are fine!

(Just don’t be topless - women/men and everyone inbetween)

Time to mention once again the press night at the Young Vic when the Guardian critic Nicholas de Jongh sat in the audience stripped to the waist. I think a poster here had actually been present to witness this iconic event. 

[MoreLife]

Jul 15, 2024 20:14:27 GMT showtoones said:

I’ll be in London this week and as the weather is supposed to be quite warm… are shorts allowed in the theatre? And do most people wear shorts or long pants?

Wear whatever you feel comfortable in - A/C in London theatres tends to be much less of a constant compared with Broadway houses, so it can be warmer in there and so, if it really is a hot day, shorts can be a good choice  
 

[Talisman]

Be careful
In some theatres the air conditioning is fierce

Shorts are fine but sometimes wished I had an extra top layer.

Shivered in Lyttleton on hot day last summer.

[Talisman]

Jul 16, 2024 11:29:34 GMT craigbowker said:

Unless it's Opera or some of kind of upper crust event, shorts are fine. West End and Broadway theatres have shifted to a come-as-you are dress code decades ago.

Shorts fine at ENO and royal opera but to be fair not as common as many other places. Unless a gala, opera should not be linked with upper crust events. This approach is what puts many people off.

[thomast]

Jul 15, 2024 20:30:45 GMT lynette said:

Personally speaking, shorts on males only if you are under 10 unless you are on the beach.

Can't tell if this is a serious viewpoint, but intrigued by it if so.

For me, I wear shorts to the theatre in summer. If it was a formal night, of course not, but for a casual visit - of course!

[BurlyBeaR]

No vest tops though please. Women included. I don’t want to be in close proximity to anyone’s bare armpits.

[Someone in a tree]

Heading off topic and bringing it back to ME! As someone whose body temperature is often warm shorts are a wonderful device. Thankfully my employer does not have a silly dress code but if they did i would happily wear a a naff looking chairty shop skirt over my shorts.

[longinthetooth]

I would just politely ask, as a woman of mature years - no manspreading, please, if you're in shorts and sitting next to me!!! Actually, that goes whatever you're wearing ...