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Post by mrmarmelstein on Mar 18, 2024 15:52:39 GMT
mrmarmelstein This is SUCH a good idea. I'd gladly pay more not to have to share space with some people. The problem is in doing this, theatre owners would effectively be saying it’s ok to behave badly at all other performances, so it will never happen. However much they don’t take steps to improve things, theatre owners aren’t going to go as far as actively encouraging bad behaviour at all other performances by promoting “good behaviour” performances. For the avoidance of doubt, I don’t include relaxed performances as encouraging bad behaviour, and I think these are a brilliant idea. |
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Post by mrmarmelstein on Mar 18, 2024 15:56:19 GMT
Dr Tom yes we clearly were at the same performance, I must have been right behind you in row G! Long-time lurker here rather than active poster, but this does seem to happen to Theatreboard posters remarkably frequently 🤣
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Post by mrmarmelstein on Mar 18, 2024 16:00:08 GMT
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. Yes the announcement was made, I suppose my more general point was if pre-show announcements specifically stated that the reasons for not talking or singing along are because it’s distracting for the cast and other people who have paid lots of money to be there, maybe people would think about it more. But again, it is sadly probably true that nothing would have an effect on the ones doing it. |
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Post by sph on Mar 19, 2024 0:50:03 GMT
Pre-show announcements are an ongoing battle in the theatre industry. Front-of-house like them and generally appreciate them. Producers hate them and try to make them as minimal as possible.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 19, 2024 7:29:24 GMT
The announcement where they just play an audio of lots of different ringtones… I’m sure that goes over many people’s heads. Some probably think it’s a reminder to get their phones ready!
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Post by n1david on Mar 19, 2024 8:01:54 GMT
Pre-show announcements are an ongoing battle in the theatre industry. Front-of-house like them and generally appreciate them. Producers hate them and try to make them as minimal as possible. At least they sometimes work... I never understand theatres where the FOH walk around preshow with "phones off" signs... some of the target audience are still engrossed in their phones at that point and never see the signs... |
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Post by alece10 on Mar 19, 2024 17:23:20 GMT
I think pre show announcements are a bit like pre flight demonstrations, hardly anyone listens or watches them.
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Post by marob on Mar 19, 2024 19:14:28 GMT
Yeah, one of my pet hates is how nobody shuts up to listen to the barely-audible announcements on trains either.
People do take notice of theatre announcements, but only if they’re right before the curtain and if they’re LOUD.
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Post by adamkinsey on Mar 19, 2024 20:08:35 GMT
The best pre-show announcement re: phones I my experience was at the Savoy a decade ago when it was a pre-recorded message by Dame Edna. Everyone listened because they weren't expecting it as she had no connection to the show. It was funny as well.
I also recall one at the Royal Opera House for Sweeney Todd 20 years ago where a character came centre stage and just stood looking out at the audience. And stood. It caused everyone to shut up and look at him. He did a mobile phone signal (using thumb to ear, little finger to mouth) then waved his finger to say "no" while looking VERY menacing.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 19, 2024 20:17:49 GMT
It shouldn’t be that hard should it?
Project a message on the curtain as the audience takes their seats, if there is one.
3 minutes before curtain up do an audio announcement
As the house lights go down and people naturally reduce their talking, do another audio.
Seriously if people haven’t got it by then…
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Post by A.Ham on Mar 19, 2024 22:27:36 GMT
The best pre-show announcement re: phones I my experience was at the Savoy a decade ago when it was a pre-recorded message by Dame Edna. Everyone listened because they weren't expecting it as she had no connection to the show. It was funny as well. I also recall one at the Royal Opera House for Sweeney Todd 20 years ago where a character came centre stage and just stood looking out at the audience. And stood. It caused everyone to shut up and look at him. He did a mobile phone signal (using thumb to ear, little finger to mouth) then waved his finger to say "no" while looking VERY menacing. When the Les Mis Staged Concert returned as we came out of lockdown they did a ‘comedy’ announcement with a Boris Johnson impersonator - ‘in the 1820s there were no mobile phones…’ Not hugely funny per se but perhaps it got people’s attention more than a generic house manager style announcement… |
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Post by sph on Mar 20, 2024 0:19:33 GMT
Was it at Company a few years ago where Patti Lupone did the announcement regarding phones and ended it with something along the lines of "And don't use your phones during the performance... TRUST ME..." That was quite funny and people listened.
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Post by lynette on Mar 20, 2024 14:34:33 GMT
Walking around with those placards useless. Best thing is make a cast member come in costume and tell us to switch off our phones please. Never mind breaking the fourth wall.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2024 19:30:55 GMT
Walking around with those placards useless. Best thing is make a cast member come in costume and tell us to switch off our phones please. Never mind breaking the fourth wall. On 2 different occasions in Manchester Opera House, I have seen people go and get a selfie with the person holding the no photography board. |
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Post by yokollama on Mar 20, 2024 21:02:54 GMT
Walking around with those placards useless. Best thing is make a cast member come in costume and tell us to switch off our phones please. Never mind breaking the fourth wall. An audience member was snacking their way through the first part of Cursed Child. They returned for the second part when there was a pre-show announcement by one of the characters, warning us not to be eating and rustling. It was voice only but I guess it made an impression as said audience member kept those crisp packets away (and even decided to police others with the occasional shushing!). |
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Post by eatbigsea on Mar 20, 2024 22:50:52 GMT
My God there was so much coughing at Long Day’s Journey into Night this evening, from what sounded like two or three people. It’s a quiet atmospheric play, if you’ve got a persistent cough, stay home!
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Post by ceebee on Mar 21, 2024 8:32:31 GMT
Not bad behaviour but worth a mention anyway. I'd like to commend the lovely front of house team at the Hawth in Crawley last night who were all so friendly and welcoming. They have, in my view, an announcement that should be mandatory before all theatre shows. This isn't word-for-word, but the announcement was roguhly along the lines of: "Welcome to this evening's performance of Jesus Christ Superstar. The show will begin in XX minutes. We'd like to remind you that we do not allow cameras or phones to be used in the auditorium while the show is on. If you take photos you will be asked to leave the theatre and we really dont want that because we just want you have a great time - so enjoy the show and remember, 'no photos'."
It was the most polite but firmest way of asserting their policy. Guess what? No photos were taken (as far as I am aware) and it was one of the nicest audience atmospheres that I have experienced in a while.
By eliminating/reducing/minimising the disruptive threat of phone tech through a direct warning that patrons will be asked to actually leave the theatre, it makes their position crystal clear. It was the most effective pre-show message I've experienced - it wasn't trying to be funny, witty, humorous. It was very matter-of-fact, polite and courteous. Combine this with the fantastic welcome and manner of staff in the theatre, and this venue is on to a winner. It would be very hard to take offence at people who are so friendly and make you feel so welcome.
10/10 to the Hawth in Crawley - many other theatres could learn a lesson in how to manage people and expectations.
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Post by schuttep on Mar 21, 2024 12:57:19 GMT
I LOVE the device Mrs Doubtfire uses to warn people not to use their phones etc. And won't spoil it here by saying what it is: you'll have to see the show!
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Post by knutinkerbell on Mar 22, 2024 13:04:40 GMT
Old story … two Popcorn chewing of women behind me, for half an hour in „Stranger Things“.
Why the hell do they sell popcorn buckets.
It was an absolutely silent audience except from where I sat.
After I said something I was the enemy for one of their group.
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Post by ladidah on Mar 22, 2024 13:54:46 GMT
It's so unfair, you pay a fortune and have to suffer. I am really attuned to any noise around me and it completely takes me out of the show. I saw the Motive and the Cue recently, and a guy next to me kept sneaking mini eggs, rustle, rustle. In the end I just huffed so loudly and he took the hint.
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Post by solotheatregoer on Mar 22, 2024 22:12:29 GMT
Lady next to me at Long Day's Journey Into Night kept rolling her finger over the rim of her plastic cup in a circular motion after she had sunk a few glasses of wine (she had brought a full bottle of red with her - not sure how she was allowed to bring it in). This went on for almost all of Act 1. A few side eyes and evil looks over stopped it. Pretty sure I have misophonia but I just can't stand repetitive noises in the background when I'm trying to concentrate. It completely draws my attention away. I'm also amazed at other people's complete lack of self-awareness of how annoying this could be for other people.
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Post by lynette on Mar 23, 2024 0:25:58 GMT
Three mobiles at the Almeida tonight and one early doors right at the end but I think she was ill. But phones, come on people.
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Post by cheesy116 on Mar 25, 2024 1:52:49 GMT
Don walking out at the beginning of Kinky Boots and doing the 'no phones' announcement with a short skit is probably the best one I've seen so far.
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Post by thomast on Mar 25, 2024 17:38:08 GMT
Theatre etiquette is getting worse than ever.
If you're going to dig deep into a bag of sweets, do it when it's a louder part of the show. Not when it's a silent one. During Hamilton (Burn) someone decided it was the best time to rustle non stop. Had me on edge.
During &Juliet I had someone live translating / explaining the history / time period / language / words. Was so frustrating as they did not even attempt to do it quietly.
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Post by mkb on Mar 26, 2024 4:43:22 GMT
My God there was so much coughing at Long Day’s Journey into Night this evening, from what sounded like two or three people. It’s a quiet atmospheric play, if you’ve got a persistent cough, stay home! There's a lot of whooping cough going around apparently. I'm told you're only infectious for a few days but can have the cough for ten weeks. When theatres and train companies offer refunds for those affected, those with coughs will be more inclined to stay home. And theatre is already far too expensive to be even thinking about adding insurance costs on top, so that is not a realistic option. For frequent theatregoers, insurance wouldn't make any economic sense in any case. |
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