There’s a surprisingly long history of theatre and food. Excavations beneath the Globe found everything from mussel shells to hazelnuts to glass bottles (which would have contained ale- we have written records of Elizabethan audiences complaining of “fizzy drinks” being opened mid-performance!).

When Theatre was entertainment for the masses, the “groundlings” standing for performances would bring in hunks of bread and cheese, whereas those seated above might be served mutton, ribs or roast “fowls”.

A few centuries later, theatre and dining was still popular amongst the Victorians. Crowded taverns and dinner rooms thick with smoke were partitioned off into boxes, so parties could chat in privacy whilst enjoying meat, fish and wine before heading off to theatre. The Victorians loved theatre as an exploration of society, morality and everything in between: it was still well-attended by those of every social class, for whomst it wouldn’t have been a matter of pomp, just a popular afternoon activity.

If you’d like the show to go on after you’ve left the theatre, we also offer accommodation packages so you can make a night of it from only £185. We’ll welcome you to your stay with a glass of Rathfinny English sparkling wine on arrival, where you can settle into your room then tuck into some of our quality fare at our 1912 Seafood & Steak Restaurant* (*£30 per person allocation towards dinner, food only) before heading to your show. Sleep soundly to the waves of the ocean, then enjoy breakfast the following morning.

Feeling inspired for a trip to the theatre? See what’s on at the aforementioned Devonshire Park theatre or see what’s on at the Congress or Winter Garden theatre. Be sure to book ahead for a showstopper of a stay.