The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word STERILE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
S
T
E
R
I
L
E
More clues leading to the result STERILE
- Steps to keep the Queen uncontaminated
- Lacking inspiration, set out to annoy
- Moving set with needle is unproductive
- Unproductive anger after ship’s back without navy
- Pointless filibuster I leadenly can deliver
- Free from bacteria — theatre, ultimately, following new creation of Lister
- Aseptic technique finally evolved with Lister
- Larger toilets regularly reviewed and disinfected
- In second half, Leinster, docile, lacking vitality
- Fruitless series of steps restricting monarch
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "that’s how theatre should be" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case that’s how theatre should be = sterile.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does STERILE mean?
STERILE adjective- Unable to reproduce (or procreate).
- Terse; lacking sentiment or emotional stimulation, as in a manner of speaking.
- Fruitless, uninspiring, or unproductive.
- Germless; free from all living or viable microorganisms.
- Free from dangerous objects, as a zone in an airport that can be only be entered via a security checkpoint.
- Of weapons: foreign-made and untraceable to the United States.