Free interval drinks are a perk of the drama critic’s working life and sometimes, when the show is dire, the highlight of the night. By coincidence, both Oxford’s leading theatres supplied a new environment last week for the consumption of these.

On Monday, the pleasures of Dreamboats and Miniskirts at the New Theatre were punctuated by a visit to the new Ambassador Lounge — all luxurious furnishings and soft lighting —behind the stalls bar.

Here glasses of prosecco were offered by theatre manager Elizabeth Adlington, giving a taste of what can be enjoyed there by up to 24 theatre punters from now on.

The Red Label package at £15 includes entry to the lounge, a welcome glass of prosecco, nibbles and a cloakroom. You can return in the interval and order drinks from the lounge host. The £45 Purple Label package varies the offer with half a bottle of Perrier Jouet fizz, a box of Ambassador Experience chocolates and a programme or Ambassador notebook.

At the Playhouse for Show 2 of Secret Theatre on Thursday, we saw the results of the summer refurbishment to the bar there. Relocating the serving area from one end of the room to the middle, coupled with the light wood floor and a yellow and purple colour scheme, has made the place feel much brighter and significantly bigger. Well done!