I will be going to London in another week and have tickets for the Shaftesbury. I know Rick Steves says that you do not need to dress during tourist season, April - Sept, but what about off-season in January? Does anyone know? In the interest of packing light, I'm trying to avoid packing something dressy that will require an extra pair of shoes, but don't want to be underdressed.
Thank you.
The only time I've every been to the London Theatre has been off-season. There is a certain portion of the audience that dresses up a bit, but there are still plenty of people dressed casually in jeans. Jeans and a nice sweater/top should be fine.
I have been to numerous London Theatres both during off and high season. Some people dress up and some wear old jeans! I'd take a black skirt or black pants and a nice long sleve T or tuttleneck. Add a "big shirt" you can wear like a blazer and/or a large scarf. Thats' what I usually wear! I feel comfortable (the theatres can be a bit cool- winter or summer) and don't look out of place- neither over nor under dressed. My husband wears black or khaki "dockers" style pants or black jeans and a button up denim shirt or polo.
I agree with the above posters, but I would also say that it depends on where you are sitting. If you are in expensive seats, you might feel a bit underdressed in jeans. In any of the dress circles, jeans are fine.
Unless you are going to opening night, you will really observe no dress code at all in London theatres. There will be a few people dressed up. There will be also be lots of people in jeans. Many of the theatres have lots of tourists who will be dressed quite casually. I'd probably avoid white tennis shoes, but if you have dark colored walking shoes no one will notice. I've been to more than 2 dozen shows in London in the last 10 years and I generally just wear a pair of decent slacks and my walking shoes. But I have gone in jeans.
A nice pair of slacks and a top and/or sweater would be fine. I wouldn't wear jeans.
Most of those that are dressed up are locals who go to a performance directly after work. Mid-week shows off-season can be sparsely attended. I've been to shows with a-list stars with only 25 people showing up; so there wasn't much of a "fashion show" going on. During intermission the ushers sell dixie cup sized ice cream and potato chips. When you see people eating ice cream with flat wooden spoons and others consuming Cheeto's it it shatters any illusion one has of formality at the London theatre. A nice pair or jeans are fine.
Joann, I attended a performance at one of the London theatres recently, and didn't bother taking any special clothes. My usual travel gear is reasonably dressy anyway, so I didn't feel out of place (I use Tilley clothing almost exclusively when travelling - check their web site to see examples).
There seemed to be a wide range of clothing with the other audience members. Some were casual in blue jeans, while others had more formal evening wear. Unless you're attending a really formal event, I wouldn't be too concerned (this of course from a gentleman's perspective).
Happy travels!
We always pack a sort of casual dress and leggings or pants under it for out in the day and then wear it with stockings to go to church or the theater, and some kind of shoe that passes as dress flats. (Lately it has been the smaller less clunky crocs that we wear during the day as well).
Thank you all so much. I am bringing 1 pair of black slacks w/flats, so I'll wear those. Thank you all for the input. Joann
The only time i felt like an undredressed rube was I went to a fund raiser for and at St. Pauls of Andrew L Webbers music . They had seats to fill and so I was placed in 500L section ( tuxes and gowns with jewels . Looking a bit like youth hostiler low on money ready to go home. Music was great. Nobody Cares
I should have added to my reply I had LAST MINUTE 25L ticket
