The Malthouse Theatre

As a peasant who was fortunate enough to win opera tickets, I wasn't sure what to expect. Fortunately, finding The Malthouse proved the biggest challenge of the night; it is poorly signposted and tucked secretively between other buildings. Inside, it achieves class without the intimidating luxury I feared. Unlike many cinemas, there is no excess; the modestly-decorated foyer cosily accommodates a theatreload of polite people, the toilets are plain but well-lit, with enough cubicles to prevent queues from forming, and the theatre seats are comfortable, while leaving it up to the performance to keep the audience's heads upright. Smart casual will do. There is a bar, but the absence of food vendors means no crackling and chomping sounds during shows, and it is an unspoken rule not to bring in one's wine or coffee. The staff are helpful rather than snooty, and during the interval, smokers can puff free-range in the huge exercise yard out the front. The ...read more