Theatre Timing: When to Catch Shows, How Long They Last, and What to Expect

When you plan a night at the theatre, a live performance space where stories are told through acting, music, and stage design. Also known as live theatre, it’s not just about the show—it’s about the rhythm of the evening. Too many people show up late, miss the opening scene, or get stuck in a rush because they didn’t check the theatre timing. It’s not just when the curtain goes up—it’s when you should be seated, when intermission hits, and how long you’ll actually be there.

Most Broadway and West End shows run between 2 and 3 hours, including one intermission. Wicked, a popular musical about two witches with deep emotional arcs, runs 2 hours 45 minutes. Hamilton, a hip-hop-driven retelling of American history, clocks in at 2 hours 40 minutes. But not all shows are like that. A one-act play might be just 75 minutes. A Shakespearean epic could stretch past 3 hours. The timing isn’t random—it’s built into the script, the pacing, and the audience’s attention span.

Start times matter too. Evening shows usually begin at 7:30 p.m., but matinees can be at 2 p.m. or 3 p.m. Weekends often have extra shows—sometimes even 8 p.m. on Sundays. If you’re bringing kids, a 7:30 p.m. start might mean a tired crowd by act two. A 2 p.m. show gives you time to eat, get there without rushing, and still make it home before bedtime. And don’t forget: doors open 30 to 45 minutes before curtain. If you’re late, you won’t get in until intermission. That’s not a rule made to annoy you—it’s because the stage crew needs quiet to move sets and change lighting.

Some theatres have strict policies. Others let you sneak in quietly during a loud scene. But why risk it? The best experience starts before the lights dim. Arrive early, find your seat, grab a drink, and let the atmosphere sink in. The music starts, the crowd quiets, and suddenly—you’re part of something real. That’s what theatre timing is really about: being there, fully, when it matters.

Whether you’re watching a big-name Broadway hit in New York or a small local production in Richmond, the timing rules are the same. Know the show length. Check the start time. Plan your arrival. And don’t forget—some shows don’t have intermissions at all. You’ll need to use the restroom before the lights go down. That’s not a suggestion. It’s part of the plan.

Below, you’ll find real examples of how different shows are timed, what audiences actually experience, and how to make the most of every minute—from the moment you walk in to the final bow.