Sir – I refer to the recent article about food consumption etiquette in the theatre (Gray Matter, January 28). I completely agree with the author that food consumption in theatre during performances should be prohibited.

The only way to do it is not to offer ice creams/snacks during the break in the seating area but to limit it only to the bar, not to allow consumption of any snacks during the performance and to educate young generations that opening a packet of crisps during theatre performance is not good manners. I grew up in continental Europe, moving to England as a student. As a theatre lover, I continued with my passion of going to the theatre very often.

I was completely bemused by the practice of snacking during the performance. I was torn between feelings of excitement of watching great actors on stage (Mark Rylance, Judy Dench, Christine Scott Thomas to name just a few) and complete shock of having interruptions by popcorn and crisps munching. This behaviour would be unimaginable in theatres in Berlin, Prague, Belgrade, Vienna or Athens.

The situation with performances for children is even worse. I have recently watched Gangsta Granny at the New Theatre, Oxford, and could hardly hear the actors, as snacking started even before curtains were up. The only way to stop this cultural inertia if so many of us find it unacceptable, is to stop allowing snacking during performances.

It can start with a simple message: ‘Please switch off your mobile phones and pack your crisps ready for the first break/after the performance’.

The sales of snacks and drinks will not be affected – just shifted in place and time and we will show much more respect to the actors and to the audience.

Daniela Petrovic
Oxford