Well when I spoke of "theatre" I meant the one where the op takes place but I was referring to a short minor operation (though in saying that complications do occur even with that---very rarely---and therefore it is only natural to worry!)  and Shaun's son Liam had a five hour op?  I believe that his child's doctors would probably have been supplying theatre tickets to see a movie or a show or something so that the parents have something to do to take their mind of things since five hours and longer is quite a while to be hanging around and stressing out in an hospital---especially when you are powerless and unable to do anything for your child anyway.  We only endured half an hour of a minor procedure and that was quite stressful--so I say :

"Good on those doctors!" for doing that for parents in the circumstances. It is a really good idea.  There is plenty of time to do that and be back outside the theatre to be there when they have completed the procedure and be there for when your child comes around from the op.  Even if the hospital where you are don't supply them---perhaps it is a good idea for other parents to plan something like that for themselves.

JH