matinees

A matinee is a performance or film screening scheduled for daytime, usually in the afternoon. The term is used for theatre, cinema, and other live performances, and it contrasts with evening performances.

The word matinee comes from the French matinée, meaning morning, but the programming is in daytime. In 19th-century theatres, matinees provided a lighter, more affordable option for working people and families. In cinemas, matinees became common in the early to mid-20th century, often with lower prices and sometimes shorter programs or double features.

Matinees typically begin in the early or mid-afternoon and may have shorter running times or intermissions. Some productions offer matinees with different cast or revised versions, while others preserve the same program as the evening show. Many venues price matinees more cheaply to attract a broader audience, including students and retirees.

In the United States, matinees are a standard part of cinema and theatre schedules, though their prevalence has varied with era and venue. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, matinees are common for theatre performances, especially on weekends, and the term matinée is widely used in theatre circles. The phrase matinee idol has entered popular language to describe a charming actor favored by daytime audiences.

Modern trends: The popularity of matinees has fluctuated with changes in entertainment consumption. Streaming, on-demand viewing, and late-night programming have reduced daytime demand in some markets, but many cinemas and theatres continue to offer matinee performances, particularly on weekends, holidays, or for special events.