Timing your “Wee Break”

Every show I've seen has at least one slow bit which I call the "wee break" moment. This is the part in the show where, if you haven't managed to go for a tinkle during the interval, you can comfortably take a break from the auditorium knowing that you won't miss any of the good bits. It's normally in act two, (although in some slower shows it can be anytime from beginning to end!)

My Go-To “Wee Break” Moments

I'll give you some of my personal examples. My favourite show is Wicked, but I would quite happily go for a wee during the Wizard's "Wonderful". How about in Les Misérables? My "wee break" would be the Thenardiers. I understand the need for the comic interruption, but I don't really like it. My "wee break" in Miss Saigon used to be "American Dream" but I have to say, that now I must just cross my legs until the end!

Skipping the Toilet Queues

If you speak to most theatre fans, they will know what I mean. Think of any show and you will find a bit that we can from here forward call the "wee break" moment. Of course, if everyone has the same one the queues for the lady's toilets at theatres will end up being if they are during the intervals. Some shows have more than one "wee break" moment, or the really bad ones have the "nap time", but that is another story!

Want to make the most of your theatre experience now that you’re not spending it in a long queue? Check out our article on Theatre Etiquette and making the Most of Your Interval for great tips on what to do during the break. 

And if you’re debating whether to bring food and drink into the theatre, have a read of our article about Food and Drink in Theatre it might just make you think twice about bringing that extra drink and having to take that “wee break”! 

By Nicky Sweetland

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