Going to the Ballet

[gazzawazza]

For the first time in my life I've booked to take my wife to see the Nutcracker Suite Ballet in Newcastle.
Is there an unwritten dress code? If so, what is it? I would imagine that it is a dressy affair but I'm really not too sure.
Being a bit of a scruff I don't possess a suit (in fact I don't even have a decent jacket at the mo!) but don't want to look out of place. Will a shirt and tie be required (with a very casual jacket) or do people generally not bother? Will a smartish shirt be suitable? Help me please all you cultured arty types!!!
I need to know whether I need a suit which I will gladly buy if necessary.
TIA.

[fredpuli47]

No. Well, there's not one at the Royal Opera House for ballet there. I'm a regular, and once made a special effort for a gala performance. There were only about six people, including myself. wearing 'black tie' and most didn't have any tie, black or otherwise! The modern way is the bohemian way amongst us 'arty types'.BUT the women make an effort and dress in proper dresses. No jeans for them ! And the effect is incongruous.Casual men with smart women !
It may be that the provinces are a tiny bit less casual, but go how you feel comfortable.They'll think you're a knowing, arty Londoner.The dressed-up ones (if any) are the ones who obviously don't go to such events ! Anyway, Nutcracker is a family ballet, for everyone and all ages, particularly the chidren, so it really never has demanded more formality than,say, a panto would

[Mosaic]

If the 'house' pays for the ticket they can tell you how to dress. Till then, wear what you want and bring your own corn beef and onion butties for the interval.

[gazzawazza]

Thank you all so much, you've put my mind at rest, smart casual it is, with corned beef and onion sarnies!

[slinkycat]

As the previous replies said, smart casual is fine, including the women. Think its a bit of a shame myself, would love an excuse to really dress up, but would have stuck out like a sore thumb in full evening wear at the ballets I've been to at Birmingham Symphony Hall!

[Canary42]

Like you, I went to my first ballet at about this time last year at Chichester Festival Theatre - I wore smart casual (i.e. decent shoes - not trainers, smart trousers - not jeans, and shirt (no tie) and smart jumper) and did not feel out of place. I would imagine Newcastle will be as relaxed as Chichester (possibly more so) with dress code, so as long as your wife approves, go smart casual.

I too saw Nutcracker and to my surprise I enjoyed it very much - and that was after 60 years of avoiding ballet like the plague :)

Hope you both have a good time.

[Quizmonster]

I don't really know why, other than being a bit of an oldster, but here on the south coast - provincial, I daresay - I always wear a suit and tie when going to the ballet. Having said that, few other men seem to bother, so I'd agree that smart casual is the way to go.

[gazzawazza]

Thanks once again everyone, and Quizmonster, I haven't seen your name in a-a-a-ges, where have you been?

[Quizmonster]

I'm still around AnswerBank most days, Gazza. I just hope your first ballet is as much of a stunning revelation to you as it was - some considerable while ago - to me. Enjoy!

[fredpuli47]

Well, you could hardly choose a more tuneful ballet. Tchaikovsky's greatest hits come along every few minutes ! It's strange to hear them played in context, after hearing them so often on radio or recordings. The story is fun, too. It's no surprise that there are always several productions,and always two in London, at Christmas , when the children can go, as a treat.Next up? How about Swan Lake or Giselle, both dramatic ballets ( so-called 'white ballets', because there's a lot of white costumes on display ) ?

[gazzawazza]

Steve, I'm not trying to be someone I'm not, it was my idea for us to do something we don't normally do. Initially I was booking it as a surprise but eventually I caved in and asked her if she would actually like to go as I didn't want to force a bit of culture on her! My wife went to see Swan Lake a few years ago with my sisters and a few other girls, and I would have gone then if there'd been room in the car.
I love classical music but have never been to a concert so that's my main reason for wanting to go. A mate at work suggested going to a ballet as he has been to a few and said it's a really nice evening. I'm really looking forward to it (Feb). We're making a night of it staying in a city centre hotel and don't worry, I'll definitely be sinking a few dogs coz I love the stuff!