Home / Arts and Entertainment / Theatregoers' Bad Behaviour Erupts in UK and Abroad
Theatregoers' Bad Behaviour Erupts in UK and Abroad
5 Jun
Summary
- Audience members exhibit disruptive behavior like texting and eating loudly.
- Incidents range from rustling jackets to a couple having sex during a play.
- Disruptions are reported in various venues across the UK and US.
Audience members are increasingly exhibiting disruptive behavior in theaters, concert halls, and opera houses, according to recent reader feedback. These incidents have ranged from constant fidgeting and noisy eating with snacks like crisps and burgers to loud talking and the use of mobile phones during performances.
One particularly shocking account detailed a couple engaging in sexual activity during a play in London's West End, an act that continued despite audience disapproval. Other reported disturbances occurred during performances in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, and Dundee, as well as at a concert in Berlin and at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C.
Readers are questioning the role of ushers in managing such behavior, drawing parallels to stricter enforcement in cinemas and at conferences. The experiences suggest a widespread breakdown in audience etiquette, affecting the enjoyment of performances for many.
These accounts follow an initial article about actor Rosamund Pike calling out an audience member for texting. The range of disruptions underscores a growing concern for the sanctity of live performances.
