As someone who travels between UK and Belgium/Netherlands very often, I have noticed some differences between the UK and BE/NL theatregoers.
Audiences
I would describe UK audiences as open, enthusiastic people who are ready for a fun night out. Theatre etiquette could perhaps be better at times, and dressing up isn't really necessary, even on a press night.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, on the other hand, every show feels like attending a press night. Going to a musical is still seen as a special occasion, so people really like to dress up and make the most of it.
During the show, UK audiences are quick to cheer for their favourite performer or whenever something extraordinary happens on stage. In contrast, Belgian and Dutch audiences are more intimate and reserved. They will clap warmly, but they rarely cheer. This isn't because they aren't enjoying it, but rather because they are fully absorbed in the moment.
Run of musicals
In the UK, and mainly in the West End, it is completely normal for a show to run for months, years, or even decades. While touring productions operate a bit differently, West End shows stay rooted in one venue for a long time.
In the Netherlands and Belgium, most musicals are touring productions, think of shows like Cabaret or Dear Evan Hansen. If a production is too large to tour (like Frozen or & Juliet), it will stay in a single resident theatre, but usually only for a limited run of a few months.
Snacks in the auditorium
A beloved West End habit is buying ice cream during the interval. It doesn't matter if it's mid-summer or freezing outside, British audiences are always in the mood for an interval ice cream!
Dutch and Belgian audiences, however, tend to opt for popcorn or crisps. Another remarkable difference is that taking drinks (like wine or beer) into the auditorium is often prohibited in Belgium and the Netherlands, whereas in the West End, taking your drink to your seat is completely standard.
Venues
Because West End theatres have such a long history, you can truly feel it when walking into the venues themselves. They are authentic, historic, and steeped in decades of stories. In contrast, theatres in the Netherlands are often modern, which means they can sometimes lack that classic character and authentic, historic atmosphere, even if they do offer great comfort and clear views!
