Backstage Secrets: Theatre Traditions You've (Probably) Never Seen.

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When you sit in a plush velvet seat, programme in hand, waiting for the curtain to rise, you’re witnessing just the tip of the theatrical iceberg. Behind the scenes—out of sight and steeped in history—there’s a rich world of backstage rituals, secret signals and beloved traditions that keep the heart of the theatre beating.

Some are superstitions. Some are pure chaos. All are part of what makes live performance a world unto itself. Let’s take a peek behind the curtain…

The National Theatre Window-Banging Bonanza

London’s National Theatre is a hive of creativity. Not just one stage, but three theatres live under that iconic concrete roof: the Olivier, the Lyttelton and the Dorfman. That means several productions are often running at the same time—each with its own cast, crew and backstage buzz.

But here’s the magic: all the dressing rooms, regardless of which theatre they serve, face onto a shared backstage quadrangle. This space is hidden from public view but serves as a backstage commons—a kind of private, concrete garden of camaraderie.

And when a new show opens? Something glorious happens.

At the half-hour call (30 minutes before curtain up), the quadrangle erupts in a flurry of tapping, clapping and window-smacking as casts from all the running shows bang on their dressing room windows to wish the new company "Good luck". It’s noisy. It’s chaotic. It’s utterly heart-warming.

There’s no curtain call for that kind of solidarity, but it’s a moment every actor remembers.

Cake, History and a Man Named Baddeley

Next, we travel back in time to one of the West End’s most historic theatres: Theatre Royal Drury Lane. This place has seen centuries of drama, comedy and a few ghosts too (but we’ll save that for another blog).

One of its most delicious traditions? The Baddeley Cake.

Here’s the story: Robert Baddeley was an 18th-century actor who, in his will, left money specifically to provide cake and wine for the company every January 6th (aka Twelth Night). His reasoning? He wanted to give the actors of Drury Lane a little post-holiday treat—because let’s face it, working through the festive season is no small feat.

To this day, the theatre honours his wishes with an annual Baddeley Cake ceremony, attended by cast, crew, and a fair few VIPs. It's part tea party, part tribute, and all tradition. And yes—the cake is real and themed around whatever the current show is. And usually, fabulous.

More Backstage Lore (Bonus Round!)

• No Whistling Backstage: Back in the day, scene changes were cued by sailors working as flymen, who used coded whistles to move scenery. Whistling could cause an accidental set drop—so now, it's banned for good luck.

• The Ghost Light: Many theatres leave a single bulb lit on stage overnight. Some say it’s to keep the ghosts company; others say it’s to prevent actors (and ghosts) from falling into the orchestra pit in the dark. Either way, it's sacred.

• "Break a Leg": Traditionally you should never say "good luck" to an actor. It’s bad luck! Instead, say “break a leg”—which ironically is meant to bring good fortune. (Theatre folk are nothing if not contradictory. So if you do say "Good Luck!", no-one will be offended!).

  
  

Why These Traditions Matter

In an industry built on reinvention—new shows, fresh takes, nightly variations—these backstage customs are comforting constants. They connect generations of performers, remind us of the community behind the curtain, and infuse a little everyday magic into the practical chaos of putting on a show.

So next time you're watching a curtain rise, remember: somewhere backstage, someone’s banging on a window, or raising a glass to Robert Baddeley.

Because theatre isn’t just what happens on stage—it’s what happens all around it

If you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of London's theatrical history and discover some of its best-kept secrets, Stage Door Tours is the perfect choice. With a professional and classy approach, these tours offer an insider's perspective that is sure to leave you inspired and enlightened. Book your tour from stagedoortours.net today and get ready to see Theatre Land in a whole new light.

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