Bad Behaviour at a Show

Last night I went to see MJ The Musical at The Prince Edward. There were two women in the row behind, row C, who were FaceTiming on the phone very loudly. The show hadn’t started so that was a little annoying but fine. No sooner than the show had started they started talking loudly. Then one started singing loudly. It was not constant but every few minutes they would start again. The steward tried to quieten them down but received a loud “What do yo f***ing want?”. This went on for a little while then one of the girls clambered out of her row to have a loud argument with him. She wreaked of alcohol. Eventually she went back in and just continued. I’m not going to go through it all but suffice it to say that this continued for most of the first half, when they decided they were leaving. I would have asked them to quieten down myself but was pretty sure I would have been sworn at and made things worse. The first half had been ruined for most of the audience near by and the rest I would think weren’t too happy. There were children around and at times every other word was an expletive. It must have also been quite upsetting to the performers. In the interval a manager came down to get something. I asked him why on Earth had they not stopped the show and dealt with them. I understand that this is quite a big thing to do and he said that there were 1700 people there and some would have to catch trains and it would take at least 15 minutes to restart the show. (Not so sure about that as have had many unintended show stops which restarted a lot sooner. I am interested in what people think on that?

They sound awful and I'm sorry they spoilt the show and night out for you.  I guess the problem with show stops for this sort of thing is that given some of the behaviour that gets reported here (and the really bad behaviour that ends up in the press), is that there'd simply be too many of them.  For some shows they'd probably be having a couple of show stops a week, and that would be deemed too disruptive for the cast and other audience members.  Much as all of us who've been sat next to someone like that would dearly love a brief stop, a removal, then a resumption of the show.  

And I suppose the manager has a point, that whilst this sort of behaviour is really annoying and disruptive for those sat in the immediate vicinity of the culprit/s, the other 95% of the audience probably won't have noticed, but would of course be impacted by a show stop.  It's a difficult one to know what's best to do.  Other than to place these inconsiderate idiots under house arrest of course... 

I wish someone would invent a silent taser so other audience members weren't disrupted, then the offender could be removed at the interval. Is it so difficult to understand that when the lights go down, it's time to shut up and enjoy the show you've paid to see?!

Some people act like they are just watching a film on the sofa at home.

Woman and teenage son yesterday at Hamilton. Kept changing seats, coats and jumpers on and off. Having a chat between every song.

I've seen licensed SIA staff working at theatres with their badges displayed. At Academy venues where you may have crowds no bigger than a lot of musicals all the door staff will be licenced security trained and there will be a security supervisor/manager often on duty too. All FOH/Security staff will have to be on at least the minimum/living wage so there shouldn't be a huge extra cost as it's not like paying for close protection.

When we have seen big names doing the Stage Door signings and selfies they often have a security member with them to keep an eye on things so accredited staff are employed then.

I fully agree with BurlyBear's common sense idea or with so many theatre's being in the same ownership have a radio comms between theatres like shop security does so help can be called if there is an incident. The risk profile of some shows is far lower just like at gigs where certain artists merit a stronger security presence due to their fan demographic almost like certain sports games.

I also think theatres / producers should be far less afraid of dealing with this issue than they appear to be - they will have the support of the vast majority of the audience. I notice lots of shops, banks, council offices etc have signs up nowadays about treating staff with respect and having "zero tolerance" policies to people who are rude and threatening etc, theatres should do the same. Lots of signs and announcements warning that out of respect to the performers and other patrons disruptive and prohibited behaviour (like loudly talking or filming) will result in you being promptly ejected from the venue. And then as suggested above you have security people visible just to drive that message home.


The excuse often made is theatres sell alcohol but lots of places sell alcohol and have rules. It's a shame it's come to this but I think it is a sign of the times and as others have said extra security would just be a small increase in the overall costs of a performance. Maybe we need a £1 security levy per ticket! The sooner theatres act the better I think, I'm sure the poor FOH staff would welcome it too.

Yes, in the same way that cabin crew are primarily there to evacuate the plane in an emergency but when not doing that spend the whole flight serving food and drinks, selling duty free goods, buy on board snacks, and scratch cards.  

(No disrespect to either job but let’s be realistic) 

I blame a society where we take care to cater to the needs of every individual WITHOUT telling people that they must also behave in a manner which works for the benefit of the those around them. Yes you are an individual, but you are also often in a group setting. You are not the main character and your needs are not important enough that they should encroach on the person next to you.

I also blame a too-polite customer service approach which tiptoes around the customer and bows to their tantrums and emails. People who do not work directly with the public should not determine how customers are dealt with from the "top" of a company down.

These last posts are so true. I’m currently sat on a train. Three children with iPads and no headphones. All the same family. Am trying to work out if the mum is wearing ear plugs. Someone else is sat with their partner, she has her feet on his lap and no shoes and socks on 🤢 And obviously one person on a call, constantly saying ‘I’m on a train, the reception is terrible’ but because it’s 2024, they have the call on speakerphone.

It is like this on public transport all the time in London now. I just don’t understand how anyone can think their needs trump everyone else’s right to just sit in peace for a bit.

🤢🤢🤢

Ugh, I feel like civilisation is unravelling in front of my eyes (and ears) sometimes. I’ve worn earplugs on the tube for years because I’m autistic and it helps me cope, but recently I was having dinner with a bunch of neurotypical (non-autistic) friends, and half of them now wear earplugs too because of this kind of behaviour. Those that don’t yet wear them were interested…

I like what ceebee says about The Hawth - seems so sensible and such an obvious and easy thing to do, so why is it so rare?

Do latecomers count as bad behaviour?

I know, I know. Things happen.

But today, cruel intentions matinee, TWO groups arrived halfway through the SECOND ACT

How does that even happen? And of course they were sat front and centre of the second row. So half the row had to get up and let them in. Twice in like 5 mins.