The Changing Landscape of Theatre Intervals
- More West End plays are eliminating breaks to test concentration spans and actor stamina.
- This change is also impacting bar receipts and audience experience.
- Theatre intervals are becoming a thing of the past in some productions.
As the summer theatre season unfolds, the traditional interval is becoming increasingly rare in London’s productions, sparking debate among audiences. While some view intervals as a necessary respite for socializing and refreshing, others consider them a disruptive element that prolongs the evening. This shift is evident in several current plays, which are opting for uninterrupted performances. Notable productions such as "The Years" at the Almeida and "Slave Play" at the Noël Coward Theatre are pushing the boundaries of traditional theatre formats. "The Years" runs for one hour and 55 minutes without a break, while "Slave Play" stretches to two hours, raising questions about the need for a pause, especially given its intense subject matter. Critics argue that such plays could benefit from an interval to allow audiences to process the themes presented. Additionally, "The Constituent" at the Old Vic, which concludes its run this week, offers a shorter experience at one and a half hours. The play's star, James Corden, even extended the performance time by delaying the start for a football match, highlighting the fluidity of time management in modern theatre. As the trend continues, theatre-goers are left to ponder the implications of this shift. Will the absence of intervals enhance the immersive experience, or will it detract from the social aspect of attending live performances? The debate over intervals remains a significant topic in the evolving landscape of theatre.