Every show I've seen has at least one slow bit which I call the "wee break" moment. This is the part in the show where, if you haven't managed to go for a tinkle during the interval, you can comfortably take a break from the auditorium knowing that you won't miss any of the good bits. It's normally in act two, (although in some slower shows it can be anytime from beginning to end!) I'll give you some of my personal examples. My favourite show is Wicked but I would quite happily go for a wee during the Wizard's "Wonderful". How about in Les Miserables? My "wee break" would be the Thenardiers. I understand the need for the comic interruption but I don't really like it. My "wee break" in Miss Saigon used to be "American Dream" but I have to say, the new production has put pay to that and I now have to just cross my legs until the end!
If you speak to most theatre fans they will know what I mean. Think of any show and you will find a bit that we can from here forward call the "wee break" moment. Of course if everyone has the same one the queues for the lady's toilets at theatres will end up being just as long as they are during the intervals. There are some shows that have more than one "wee break" moment, or the really bad ones have the "nap time", but that is another story!
By Nicky Sweetland