456 posts
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Post by mistressjojo on Jan 17, 2017 2:01:24 GMT
It does seem to be more of an American thing in straight theatre , doesn't it ? ( Apologies to any Americans here who are not rampant SO givers - just going by my experience!) I'm not really a musicals goer so can't comment there.
But what does irk me is the 'applause on entrance' thing. I've experienced that a couple of times in London but nearly every show I've seen in NY - and it's annoying! And applause at the end of a scene too. Stop it! As they say at schools awards nights 'please hold your applause till the end of the performance'.
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Post by bee on Jan 17, 2017 7:23:28 GMT
I don’t think I have ever spontaneously jumped to my feet to give a standing ovation. Not because I’m especially hard to please or because I haven’t seen plays that have been worthy of such a response, but basically even the best performance of all time would never be enough to overcome my fear of looking like a bit of a prat by being the only person who stood up.
I have joined in a number of ovations though, when the number of people getting up has reached enough of a critical mass to overcome my fears, or, more often, when the person in front of me has stood up and blocked my view of the stage.
A standing ovation is still pretty rare in my experience though, sounds like it’s more of a thing in musicals (which I rarely go to) rather than in plays.
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Post by viserys on Jan 17, 2017 8:05:26 GMT
But what does irk me is the 'applause on entrance' thing. I've experienced that a couple of times in London but nearly every show I've seen in NY - and it's annoying! And applause at the end of a scene too. Stop it! As they say at schools awards nights 'please hold your applause till the end of the performance'. I agree. There are a few shows (or directors) who manage the entrance of the star so that applause actually works, but often it kills the momentum of said entrance into the scene. I also can't help thinking it's a bit rude towards the co-stars. And what's the point? To acknowledge "Woo, star XY has actually made it onto the stage tonight!" ?
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Post by The Matthew on Jan 17, 2017 8:24:10 GMT
And what's the point? To acknowledge "Woo, star XY has actually made it onto the stage tonight!" ? [Obvious joke omitted]
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2017 8:27:10 GMT
But what does irk me is the 'applause on entrance' thing. I've experienced that a couple of times in London but nearly every show I've seen in NY - and it's annoying! And applause at the end of a scene too. Stop it! I recall the first time I ever witnessed that was Kim Cattrall's entrance in 'Private Lives'. I thought I was on Broadway. Strangest one though was (I think) 'When We Are Married' at the Garrick when the reveal of the set got a round of applause!
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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 17, 2017 8:53:32 GMT
Sadly, not only NY, it happens a lot here in Russia - entrance/after the scene applause and even - believe it or not - applause BEFORE the show starts. As if without it the actors would refuse to grace the stage.. Pointless.
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Post by Snciole on Jan 17, 2017 9:46:59 GMT
Didn't people clap the boat in Strange Interlude at the National? I was thinking about when people clap films, when none of the creative team are there to witness it. Are they just clapping the fact that it worked (A particular concern in the BFI)
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Post by mallardo on Jan 17, 2017 9:54:34 GMT
That boat in Strange Interlude was worthy of applause. That was the most impressive set transition ever.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2017 10:39:00 GMT
I didn't see the boat in question, but I have felt compelled to clap sets before, which when you think about it is nice because it's giving the techies and designers some rare live recognition!
Clapping at films though- argh! I'm very much of the 'shut up and watch it' mentality I'm afraid!
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Post by Snciole on Jan 17, 2017 11:13:10 GMT
That boat in Strange Interlude was worthy of applause. That was the most impressive set transition ever. I get why people went wild, it was the best thing about the play, but if you told non-theatre people that you applauded a set change they would think you had gone mad!
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1,103 posts
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Post by mallardo on Jan 17, 2017 12:40:29 GMT
Yes, granted, but I also agree with Emi's point above - why not a little recognition for a brilliant piece of set design?
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Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2017 13:10:50 GMT
And even if the creatives aren't there, the applause will make it into the show report, it can be fed back to them at any time.
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Post by Snciole on Jan 18, 2017 13:14:18 GMT
I do try and mention amazing sets and, at the risk of sounding like a small child, incredible lighting because in fringe especially some stunning lighting can make all the difference to taking the audience out of the realisation they are in an attic in a pub. I still give Es Devlin a free pass for the set mess that was Hamlet because it was lovely but that balcony and how can I hate her after The Nether's simple to extravagant set design.
But to go back on topic a quick hand pointing outwards at the end isn't enough recognition for the backstage crew and if applauding a set gets them more work then may it continue.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Jan 18, 2017 13:45:23 GMT
That crystal curtain in a Dreamgirls is worthy of a mention in the cast list, let alone a round of applause!
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Post by Mr Crummles on Jan 18, 2017 14:22:11 GMT
Yes, granted, but I also agree with Emi's point above - why not a little recognition for a brilliant piece of set design? When I saw Sunset Boulevard in New York, I remember the applause in a scene change in which Norma's mansion landed onto the stage. (John Napier design, I think).
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Post by Elisa on Mar 1, 2017 15:05:13 GMT
I don't do a standing ovation even when I like the show. I don't see the point of it, unless under exceptional circumstances. If I don't like the show, I just won't clap my hands (which it never happened so far, as there is always some aspect I enjoy). Well, I did stand once, actually. At Romeo and Juliet last year. It was the night when Freddie Fox took over after a few days of cancelled shows because they had run out of Romeos. The show went well and Fox was good, and the actors' relief at curtain call was palpable. When Freddie Fox and Lily James joined the row after taking the bow, Derek Jacobi pushed Fox forward to take another bow on his own and started clapping. Standing ovation. I joined it. For two reasons: first I wasn't really standing for Freddie Fox, but for Derek Jacobi, because I liked his gesture (so, yes, I was basically just fangirling), second because when people in front of you stand up you must do the same if you want see the actors. The latter may actually be part of the standing ovation problem, in my opinion. I never experienced it before, as I was always in the first or second row of the circle in previous occasions, but sitting in row F in the stalls is a different matter.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 15:11:18 GMT
I really don't see a problem with it. If people wanna stand, let 'em stand. And more often than not, I'll join them! And going to the theatre, at a curtain call, you go with the knowledge a standing ovation may or may not occur at the end, so it is your choice to stand at the end, even if just to see. It shouldn't be something to be angry or upset about, I personally really like seeing a standing ovation, for the cast, that is an amazing feeling.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 15:40:03 GMT
With respect, daniel- judging from your photograph- you look to be the age of audiences that have been brought up on standing ovations, so I'm really not surprised you have the views you do. I think the point that I was making in my first post was that standing ovations seem to have become the norm, and because of this they have lost that very special feeling- shared by the audience and the performers- that they once had. They used to be given fairly rarely for that extra special something you can't quite put your finger on- anything from witnessing a truly amazing show for the very first time, a sensational performance in a particularly demanding role, or even for a performer/understudy who has stepped in and saved the day as in Elisa's post above. I'm not angry or upset about it. I'm not doubting actors are flattered by a standing ovation; but I reckon they know when it's truly deserved and when it's given as a matter of course.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 15:50:06 GMT
With respect, daniel- judging from your photograph- you look to be the age of audiences that have been brought up on standing ovations, so I'm really not surprised you have the views you do. I think the point that I was making in my first post was that standing ovations seem to have become the norm, and because of this they have lost that very special feeling- shared by the audience and the performers- that they once had. They used to be given fairly rarely for that extra special something you can't quite put your finger on- anything from witnessing a truly amazing show for the very first time, a sensational performance in a particularly demanding role, or even for a performer/understudy who has stepped in and saved the day as in Elisa's post above. I'm not angry or upset about it. I'm not doubting actors are flattered by a standing ovation; but I reckon they know when it's truly deserved and when it's given as a matter of course. I completely respect that, fair enough. What I am curious by though, is, why is it such a big issue? It doesn't matter whether it is this decade or two decades ago, going to the theatre, audience members know there may be a standing ovation at the end. I don't understand why audience members get upset by it when it shouldn't be as big an issue as it is (in my opinion). In truth, you miss what, 10 seconds of bows if you chose to sit, or you can stand after 3 hours and stretch your legs and just applaud standing up. I don't see it as disrespectful or anything to audience members at all. If someone has enjoyed a show, let them show it. Each to their own I guess, that's just my view and I get that some people are bothered by things that clearly don't bother me.
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Post by alece10 on Mar 1, 2017 15:51:23 GMT
I commented on this thread a few pages ago just had a thought. My memory is not as good as it was but i remember very few standing ovations at the NT and none at all for any of the Proms concerts I have been to even though they deserved it. Is it everyone is far too posh to get up or far too old?
And yes I am joking...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 15:58:17 GMT
Or far too discerning?
(Now am I joking or not?!)
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Post by schuttep on Mar 1, 2017 16:00:00 GMT
With respect, daniel- judging from your photograph- you look to be the age of audiences that have been brought up on standing ovations, so I'm really not surprised you have the views you do. I think the point that I was making in my first post was that standing ovations seem to have become the norm, and because of this they have lost that very special feeling- shared by the audience and the performers- that they once had. They used to be given fairly rarely for that extra special something you can't quite put your finger on- anything from witnessing a truly amazing show for the very first time, a sensational performance in a particularly demanding role, or even for a performer/understudy who has stepped in and saved the day as in Elisa's post above. I'm not angry or upset about it. I'm not doubting actors are flattered by a standing ovation; but I reckon they know when it's truly deserved and when it's given as a matter of course. Judging from your photograph, Caiaphas, you must be around 2000 years old - much like me. I agree totally with what you say. I will stand and ovate where it's merited - and an understudy doing a great job is often merited. Otherwise a performance has to be on the scale of Denise Gough in People, Places and Things (they happen once in a blue moon).
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Post by infofreako on Mar 1, 2017 16:08:37 GMT
I find its an issue because for me it loses its meaning a little if it becomes the norm. It certainly wasn't when I started to go to the theatre so it does seem a recent thing. I've never performed but if I did I think it would be far less of a buzz to get a standing ovation every night than an occasional one because a performance had been that good. I'm certainly not one to stand just because everyone else does and I've felt that a partial standing ovation is more powerful as it reflects those who've been genuinely moved.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 16:12:13 GMT
Well just a fair warning, to anyone on here coming to theatre with me at some point in the future, as I have with one or two of you... I am a wooper, I am a crier, I am a stander (all when deserved, though it tends to be frequent as I am very easily pleased), embrace it.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Mar 1, 2017 16:39:25 GMT
When something has been very good and the entire audience* stand up I always try to remember to have a look around. It's a fantastic sight to see everyone smiling and applauding together. Thrilling actually. (Do not even think about it Honoured Guest! 🤐)
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 16:40:28 GMT
When something has been very good and the entire audience* stand up I always try to remember to have a look around. It's a fantastic sight to see everyone smiling and applauding together. Thrilling actually. (Do not even think about it Honoured Guest! 🤐) She speaks the truth.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 16:41:45 GMT
Like you, daniel, I whoop, I cry, I stand... I shout, I call out, I even jump. (No, I am not joking!) But it ain't frequent!
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Post by Jon on Mar 1, 2017 16:43:42 GMT
Well just a fair warning, to anyone on here coming to theatre with me at some point in the future, as I have with one or two of you... I am a wooper, I am a crier, I am a stander (all when deserved, though it tends to be frequent as I am very easily pleased), embrace it. That's the future trip to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf cancelled then.... Imelda would be giving you the evils if you started wooping and crying during that!
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Post by Deleted on Mar 1, 2017 16:49:28 GMT
Well just a fair warning, to anyone on here coming to theatre with me at some point in the future, as I have with one or two of you... I am a wooper, I am a crier, I am a stander (all when deserved, though it tends to be frequent as I am very easily pleased), embrace it. That's the future trip to Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf cancelled then.... Imelda would be giving you the evils if you started wooping and crying during that! I didn't say I do it at every show, only when appropriate. And Imelda brought the house down about 300 times in Chichester and London in Gypsy, so a few cheers here and there at curtain call is gonna be nothing compared to the mid-show standing ovations after "Roses Turn".
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Post by Tibidabo on Mar 1, 2017 16:53:18 GMT
Judging from your photograph, Caiaphas, you must be around 2000 years old - much like me. Funniest post ever. I can't stop laughing.
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