Yes, snacks and beverages are sold at live theaters in New York (I've never seen a play in London), but I find it disrespectful for audience members to eat and drink during a live theatrical performance. I agree with Patti LuPone that we've "forgotten our public manners." People are self-absorbed enough without the theaters encouraging it ---- selling ice cream in the aisles!!!txfilmfan wrote: ↑March 12th, 2023, 2:17 pmA few people eat candy, on both sides of the Atlantic, but it's the minority. Both city's audiences also now carry drinks to their seats both before the first act and at intermission. In London, it's common for people to buy ice cream at intermission. They even sell them in the aisles so you don't have to visit the bar.EP Millstone wrote: ↑March 12th, 2023, 2:02 pm
Are theatregoers in London allowed to eat during theatrical performances?!
Never been to London. I haven't been to live theatre stateside in years, so perhaps "theatre etiquette" has changed. But, I never attended a live theatrical performance in which the audience could eat snacks (or drink beverages).
In 2015, a couple weeks after Patti LuPone famously snatched a cell phone from an audience member who was texting during a performance of a play that LuPone was in, she gave her "5 Rules of Theater Etiquette" to THE WALL STREET JOURNAL:
#1: R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Be aware of your theatergoing neighbor. In front of you, behind you, to your right, and left. Treat them with respect, unless you’re sitting next to a loudmouthed idiot.
#2: Power Down
Turn off all electronic devices, and watch the play instead.
#3: Have Dinner Beforehand
Refrain from eating and drinking in your seat. The majestic old ladies that are Broadway’s great theaters deserve your respect. The theater isn’t your kitchen. There is always intermission to imbibe.
#4: Use Judgment
Don’t feel obligated to give everything you see a standing ovation.
#5: Prepare For Bliss
Come to the theater with the expectation of being transported. Isn’t that why you bought the ticket?