Bad Behaviour at a Show

A bit random but I was front row centre at The Motive and the Cue. Johnny Flynn comes very close to the front of the stage on several occasions and as is common in theatre performances, sprayed a few sentences and showered some audience members with saliva (I'm exaggerating of course, it was a few rogue bits here and there). This has happened to me on a number of occasions before and I deliberately don't flinch and try to stay as still as possible to avoid distracting the performer. However, the same cannot be said for the lady sat next to me, who very obviously pulled both hands over her eyes, withdrew into her seat in a very exaggerated manner and let out a pretty loud 'ewww' sound mid-performance. It seemed to irk Flynn a little as he looked over and made eye contact a few times to see what was going on.  Another lady directly behind gave her a nudge and told her to be quiet thankfully but her reaction was way over the top.

I've seen many 'sprayers' in my time and I think the most respectful thing in this situation is to ignore and remain immersed in the performance. I just wish others did the same.  I dread to think how she would have reacted if she saw Sophie Okonedo's performance of Medea last year!

Some extraordinary behaviour in the grand circle for Made in Dagenham tonight. Firstly, a woman seemed to spend the majority of the show shouting the lyrics in her children’s faces.

Secondly, a man next to me proceeded to get more and more drunk as the evening progressed and therefore became increasingly obnoxious. He was talking, poking me to get my attention for no apparent reason (I know, I should have said something but he seemed on the verge of causing a big commotion). I felt so sorry for his boyfriend who seemed quite normal and mortified by his partner’s behaviour.

Also noticed lots of filming at Italia Conti’s Legally Blonde this morning every time Emmet was on stage. Come on, you’ve got to tell your mum not to whip her phone out every time you enter the stage…

From that description, it was the same woman. I didn’t say anything because, as you say, it’s hard to know what has been agreed beforehand but it came across as very rude to the other performers.

No cartoonman I hate whoopers too. High up on the scale of irritation.

The theatre school shows often have other students in the audience who are very enthusiastic. Yes, I do find it annoying as well.

Very annoying whoopers during the bows after A Taste of Honey at Royal Exchange last night.
Was very noticeable, it's not really the kind of play to induce such a response. Got a feeling it was a relative/friend of one of the cast who was seeking attention.

A row of young boys in front of me yesterday. The one in front of me constantly balanced on the top of his seat, then falling with a thump.

In the end I just kept putting my foot on the back of the seat to make him stay still.

The Mum's were very middle class, happy to ignore the fuss and gave out homemade treats at the interval, so I also got to enjoy the rustling of the bags during Act 2. 

It was honestly very close to that.

Had a few days in London with some free show slots and decided to squeeze in Mrs Doubtfire and Frozen, both shows I quite wanted to see but had been putting off for fears of audience behaviour. I find it really difficult committing to expensive tickets when there is the fear of being distracted by bad behaviour, but even with last-minute rush it was still frustrating. Generally there seem to be great efforts to improve pre-show announcements (Mrs Doubtfire did a very good job!) but I do wonder if they should specifically start telling people that it is distracting and rude to the actors and fellow audience members not to talk during the show. It seems like people have got so self-absorbed that whilst some of them may not listen regardless, others may actually not realise there is anything wrong with it.

At Mrs Doubtfire on Thursday matinee, there was a large group of school kids probably around 8 years old, who all behaved immaculately and were a very pleasant surprise. A group of French teenagers behind me sadly did the opposite, talking the whole through which only seemed to get worse when I turned round to shush them.

Frozen was something else, sat in a decent rush seat in row G stalls but the constant talking and rustling of food packaging added to the whole theme park vibe. Their pre-show announcement welcoming first time theatregoers was lovely, but again see my comment above. Add to that the box office selling tickets after the show has started for seats that people had to push past others to reach (I know because I got my rush seat just before curtain and this was 15-20 mins in) and it was not a fun theatre going experience, although the renovation of Drury Lane is gorgeous.

Even at Dorian Gray on Thursday night, a woman next to me decided to get her phone out halfway through to take a photo.

I know it’s so difficult for front of house to enforce good behaviour, and post-pandemic people seem to have lost all sense of manners, but it’s sad that I’m starting to think they should actually start selling specific ‘good behaviour’ performances!

I fear that some people are so unaware of their behaviour that they wouldn't understand such performances were intended to dissuade their attendance!

They used to have an extended pre-show announcement at Frozen, asking people to please refrain from talking or singing during the performance. No idea why they would stop doing this as it's more important than ever!

The announcement is still there, but goes over the head of a lot of people, especially the ones who arrive after the announcement.