5 Ways to Make the Most of The Intermission During a Theatre Show

 Theatre intermissions weren’t invented just to give the crew time to shift scenery around. These carefully timed breaks are meant to let audiences stretch and gear up for whatever drama’s coming in the second half as well. 

During these breaks, most people default to the same routine of fighting through crowds to grab an overpriced drink, then panicking about whether they’ll make it back before the second act starts. The thing is, intermission doesn’t have to be a mad dash or a complete waste of time. There are actually heaps of ways to make these 15 to 20 minutes work for you instead of feeling like wasted time between acts. 

1. Play a Fast Game While You Wait

If you’ve found a comfy spot and you’re happy to just stay put for a bit, a game on your phone is an easy way to pass the time. These days, heaps of theatre-goers use intermission breaks for a bit of digital fun that’s easy to pause when the lights start flickering back on. 

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If you’re in a calmer mood, you can also mix things up with non-casino games. Think trivia games that let you play quick one-off rounds, short but engaging mobile puzzle games, or a bite-sized strategy game where you make a single move and come back later. 

Whether it’s a couple of spins or a quick level on a puzzle game, it’s a simple way to add a bit of fun to your night out. Just don’t forget the show is the main event. 

2. Talk to Whoever You Came With

Intermission is also a great time to actually talk about what you’ve just watched. You’re both right there, and the show is fresh in your heads. So, instead of just staring at your phones or making awkward small talk, talk about the show. What did you think of that plot twist? Was that actor’s accent deliberately dodgy or just dodgy? Where do you reckon it’s all heading in the second half? 

If you’re catching something like The Lovers at Theatre Royal Sydney right now, you’ve got plenty to chew over, like whether Laura Murphy’s pop-musical take on Shakespeare actually works, or if turning A Midsummer Night’s Dream into something for the TikTok generation is brilliant or bonkers. 

These conversations genuinely make the show better because someone else always picks up on stuff you might have missed. And honestly? It’s just more fun than standing around in silence pretending to read the ads in your program. 

3. Read The Programme

You know that programme you grabbed on the way in and immediately shoved under your seat? Intermission is when you should actually read it. There’s usually some interesting stuff in there, and it’s not actually just a list of names. The director’s notes can explain what they were trying to do with the production, which sometimes helps when you’re sitting there thinking, “What on earth was that about?” 

Often, there are even essays on there about the historical context or themes from the show that might change how you see the second act. And the cast bios sometimes reveal that the person playing a minor role has actually been on Broadway or won a bunch of awards, which makes you appreciate their performance more. If you’re watching something that’s a modern take on classic material, these notes can be gold. They’ll explain the artistic choices and help you better understand what the creators are going for, which usually makes the rest of the show click into place. 

4. Check Out the Venue Properly

Most of us rush straight to our seats the second we walk in, like we’re scared the doors will slam shut behind us. Intermission is actually the best time to check out the theatre properly and see what it looks like when you’re not speed-walking through it. 

Have a look at the artwork on the walls and admire the fancy ceiling details. Or, take in that massive chandelier you barely glanced at earlier. Plenty of Australian theatres, like the Theatre Royal, have brilliant histories spanning decades of iconic performances. These venues have hosted everyone from legendary local acts to international stars, and that story is woven into every corner of the building, just waiting to be explored. 

5. Make the Most of the Whole Experience

At the end of the day, intermission isn’t just an annoying break in the show; it’s part of the whole theatre experience. However you choose to spend these minutes, whether that’s through gaming or exploring the venue, it all adds up to a better night out. Make your intermission count and you’ll find the whole theatre experience feels richer from curtain up to final bow.