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Post by theglenbucklaird on May 25, 2016 20:53:10 GMT
At some really small venues, like the Finborough, the Landor, the Union and so on, you can often hear the cast still rehearsing shortly before the auditorium is due to open - which of course is fine, and avoids the need for explanation, so is possibly one of the benefits of going to fringe theatres, for all they also have drawbacks such as grotty loos, inconvenient locations and so on. Saw a semi-professional version of Oleanna at Buxton Opera House. They were still rehearsing 5 minutes before kick off. Still, we all got in on time.
Beautiful theatre though if you are walking in the Peak District
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Post by CG on the loose on May 25, 2016 20:58:27 GMT
At some really small venues, like the Finborough, the Landor, the Union and so on, you can often hear the cast still rehearsing shortly before the auditorium is due to open - which of course is fine, and avoids the need for explanation, so is possibly one of the benefits of going to fringe theatres, for all they also have drawbacks such as grotty loos, inconvenient locations and so on. Saw a semi-professional version of Oleanna at Buxton Opera House. They were still rehearsing 5 minutes before kick off. Still, we all got in on time.
Beautiful theatre though if you are walking in the Peak District
Just booked a week in the Peak District - first thing I did was check what was on at Buxton OH... sadly NOTHING during my stay! |
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Post by Deleted on May 26, 2016 10:44:32 GMT
There's sometimes no announcement because simply nobody can answer with authority. FOH will sometimes get a radio message (if they have radios, not all do and not all FOH will have one sometimes one per floor) just to say there is a delay. But often it's something Front of House manager and Technical/Stage Manager are in ongoing dialogue about and it's quicker to just get on with it than stop and make announcements. Also in rare cases it could be a medical emergency and/or security scare therefore isn't appropriate to make announcements.
Oh and also not every theatre has a PA system. That also helps.
Again the last thing FOH wants is agitated audience members, and if you ask they'll usually try and find out an estimated opening time, but much like 'technical difficulties' theatre is live and you can't make predictions...
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Post by Coated on May 27, 2016 0:22:24 GMT
A nice entitled young lady at Frankenstein at the ROH decided that she could return to her seat anytime after the intermission was over. She was unpleasantly surprised when the usher intercepted her and started arguing with him in a reasonably low but still annoying way and tried to push through to her seat. When he wouldn't let her make the whole row get up for her, she lost the plot completely and started shouting to her companion that they won't let her sit down and she's leaving.
I suspect dear Brian was slightly mortified.
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Post by Deleted on May 28, 2016 13:29:49 GMT
Posh wanker at the Donmar got really arsey with me when I pointed out hanging his jacket on the rail at front of the circle was blocking my view
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Post by barricadegirl86 on May 28, 2016 17:13:00 GMT
Have been a life long theatregoer but it is all becoming a bit too much as far as behavior in the theatre is concerned what with talking, aggressive behavior, alchohol, mobile phones, texting, social media, filming, it seems nigh on impossible to attend a production and just quietly watch it and I agree with a prior comment that musicals are worse than plays. What with the cost of about £150 for two decent tickets, rail fares, something to eat etc, the price is too high knowing that you are on a fairly decent chance of having a rotten time because someone near to you does not know how to behave and the time has come for us to cut back on the money spent on London theatre because it just isn't worth it. Got tickets for Showboat next month which may be better but who knows!!!!!
Well, it depends when you go but I went to the Wednesday matinee of Showboat this week and I only saw two other people, apart from me, who looked under retirement age! So you should be safe from fidgety children. However, just before the interval someone a few rows behind me started snoring really loudly. It took several snores before whoever was with them sprung into action and woke them but I suppose it was a night scene, and they dimmed the lights, it was probably afternoon nap time so what did they expect? The show was fantastic though and really does not deserve people snoring through it. |
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Post by Deleted on May 29, 2016 8:04:28 GMT
Something of a wtf moment last night when two young ladies arrived and sat in the front row of the show I was seeing, carrying a full bottle of rose in a wine cooler and two glasses.
Which I'd find odd anyway but this was the opera of 4:48 Psychosis not Jersey Boys
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Post by talkstageytome on May 29, 2016 9:49:26 GMT
Two women on the front row at Titanic last night would NOT stop talking. They started giggling as soon as the show started (seemingly because the actors were coming right up to the front of the stage) and kept looking at each other and bursting out laughing harder! The two men behind them kept tapping them and asking them to be quiet, to no avail, so then (and I've never seen this before) they began doing it to grab the woman's attention and proceeded to flirt with them! All of this while the show was still in its first act?! I doubt they were paying much attention to the show, and I'm sure the actors can't have appreciated such a disruption in the front row.
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Post by d'James on May 29, 2016 12:53:26 GMT
The men behind were flirting with the noisy women in front?
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Post by loureviews on May 29, 2016 13:43:39 GMT
A couple of talkers by me at Show Boat last night. Yes, we get it, you remember earlier productions. Yes, we get it, you know the songs. Yes, we get it, you want to hum along to the songs you know. Yes, we get it, you want to point out bits of the staging all the way through the show.
FGS.
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Post by talkstageytome on May 29, 2016 20:22:29 GMT
The men behind were flirting with the noisy women in front? Yep! |
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Post by wickedgrin on May 30, 2016 7:15:56 GMT
This thread on the new board already has over 30,000 views and 34 pages! I love going to the theatre but as someone else mentioned it is becoming more and more chanllenging with audience behaviour. Phones, rustling sweets and talking being the top 3 "bad behaviours" by a long way.
But the other week I was at a play and the man next to me blew his nose (noisily) almost every 2 minutes during Act One. I leant away from him as far as I could but it was nauseating!! He left during the interval thank goodness!
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Post by alison on May 30, 2016 17:45:55 GMT
I saw The Sound of Music in Birmingham on Friday night (front stalls) and was surrounded by talkers, sweet rustlers, a woman who checked her phone three times, a phone that went off during a quiet moment. I was about to add "all the usual suspects" to the end of that sentence and realised just how sad that is. And a large proportion of the audience insisted on singing along to the entr'acte. Is this a thing now?  |
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Post by londonmzfitz on May 30, 2016 18:41:49 GMT
Man next to me at The Spoils on Saturday had his phone in his hand as the lights went down .. With this little red light that flashed on every couple of seconds. After a few minutes I tapped his arm and pointed, so he put the phone away into the brown paper bag he had the sausage roll or some such that he was eating as he sat down. After the interval and a quiet scene his phone buzzed twice -obviously on vibrate - in the brown paper bag! Cue him rummaging in the brown paper bag to turn it off.
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 7:54:38 GMT
I saw The Sound of Music in Birmingham on Friday night (front stalls) and was surrounded by talkers, sweet rustlers, a woman who checked her phone three times, a phone that went off during a quiet moment. I was about to add "all the usual suspects" to the end of that sentence and realised just how sad that is. And a large proportion of the audience insisted on singing along to the entr'acte. Is this a thing now? The exact same thing happened to me when I saw this in Aylesbury last week. And Avenue Q and Annie in MK. In fact, at the Sound of Music, the lady sat next me was giving her friend an audio described version of the show, the entire way throughout. "Ooh, she's off to the Abbey again". "Ooh look, here she comes..." "Well that wasn't very helpful advice!" Etc. Annie for me last night final straw though. This year, I invested in an ATG card as the three theatres most local to me (excluding London) are all ATG, and the programming for this year was very appealing. So, as a result, me and my partner have visited MK, Aylesbury and Oxford more frequently in the past year. But consequently, the behaviour has been appalling! Avenue Q: Audience members in the immediate proximity whispering along every bloody line from every number. Sound of Music: See above Annie: Parents! I can't blame the children entirely, because it is the responsibility of their parents to best judge A) whether their child is old enough/sensible enough to sit through a two and a half hour show without being a nuisance and B) whether themselves, as responsible adults are going to do anything to curtail their child's poor behaviour. Throughout the entire first half, children were charging around the back of the circle, laughing, repeating dialogue from the stage, loudly and distracting all of those around. There was one particular angel, who I assume was 12/13 Years old, swinging violently back and forth from the safety bar in front of her during the whole performance. Eventually, her teenage mother awoke herself from her coma and gave the child an audible slap. The lady next to me complained to the usher about the behaviour, who assured her that she would move me and my partner, plus herself and her daughter, to a different section. Said usher did not come back. Now, these experiences have me wondering what the pattern is here... Is it because we choose the front of the Upper Circle? Those who cannot afford the pricier tickets are not usual theatre going folk, therefore they do not know how to behave? Is it because we go on opening night, to make best use of the ATG card deals? Is it because it isn't the West End? And that those who come to the theatres last visited when there was a crappy panto on that encourages Audience Tom-Foolery? All I know is, my tolerance levels for this kind of behaviour has plummeted to rock bottom in recent times, and that I really cannot put myself through it, as it ruining my favourite passion and hobby. #SadFace |
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Post by lou on May 31, 2016 8:44:32 GMT
I saw The Sound of Music in Birmingham on Friday night (front stalls) and was surrounded by talkers, sweet rustlers, a woman who checked her phone three times, a phone that went off during a quiet moment. I was about to add "all the usual suspects" to the end of that sentence and realised just how sad that is. And a large proportion of the audience insisted on singing along to the entr'acte. Is this a thing now? It was no better on Thursday night. If I hadn't been with my mum I may have left at the interval due to frustration- it was that bad. |
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 15:12:03 GMT
I saw The Sound of Music in Birmingham on Friday night (front stalls) and was surrounded by talkers, sweet rustlers, a woman who checked her phone three times, a phone that went off during a quiet moment. I was about to add "all the usual suspects" to the end of that sentence and realised just how sad that is. And a large proportion of the audience insisted on singing along to the entr'acte. Is this a thing now? Now, these experiences have me wondering what the pattern is here... Is it because we choose the front of the Upper Circle? Those who cannot afford the pricier tickets are not usual theatre going folk, therefore they do not know how to behave? Is it because we go on opening night, to make best use of the ATG card deals? Is it because it isn't the West End? And that those who come to the theatres last visited when there was a crappy panto on that encourages Audience Tom-Foolery? All I know is, my tolerance levels for this kind of behaviour has plummeted to rock bottom in recent times, and that I really cannot put myself through it, as it ruining my favourite passion and hobby. #SadFace Unfortunately, I don't think any of your theories regarding a pattern are correct, Tom. I say this based on my own experiences... I have paid a fortune in the stalls and dress circle only to have my wonderful afternoon or evening spoilt by badly behaved audience members who have "splashed out" on top price seats (remember, you can't buy class!). I rarely attend opening nights but have come across the same Audience Tom-Foolery. And the West End is full of these tossers, believe me... Like you, especially as I get older, my tolerance levels are dwindling... When I read posts like yours, I feel (slightly) glad that I am not the only one who feels this way.  |
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 15:32:15 GMT
Now, these experiences have me wondering what the pattern is here... Is it because we choose the front of the Upper Circle? Those who cannot afford the pricier tickets are not usual theatre going folk, therefore they do not know how to behave? Is it because we go on opening night, to make best use of the ATG card deals? Is it because it isn't the West End? And that those who come to the theatres last visited when there was a crappy panto on that encourages Audience Tom-Foolery? All I know is, my tolerance levels for this kind of behaviour has plummeted to rock bottom in recent times, and that I really cannot put myself through it, as it ruining my favourite passion and hobby. #SadFace Unfortunately, I don't think any of your theories regarding a pattern are correct, Tom. I say this based on my own experiences... I have paid a fortune in the stalls and dress circle only to have my wonderful afternoon or evening spoilt by badly behaved audience members who have "splashed out" on top price seats (remember, you can't buy class!). I rarely attend opening nights but have come across the same Audience Tom-Foolery. And the West End is full of these tossers, believe me... Like you, especially as I get older, my tolerance levels are dwindling... When I read posts like yours, I feel (slightly) glad that I am not the only one who feels this way. Likewise, in that case, are you ever inclined to speak to theatre staff about it? I have, on numerous occasions, and had very little impact. The worst experience encountered by me was a trip to the Lion King, two years ago. Again in the UC, as the tickets are always a bomb for this show, yet I had heard great things. Throughout the entire performance our seats were booted constantly by those behind us, and there was a steady flow of disruptions from late comers, and ushers shining torches in our face to direct them to their seats. Nothing was done when staff were spoken to, and so we took matters into our own hands when my partner turned to the offenders behind and "politely" request they stop. By this point of course, the evening was dampened. A subsequent email to the theatre was also ignored. Whereas when a similar thing happened in the stalls at Charlie, the theatre manager himself stood by our offending patrons behind to police their constant talking. It's sad to think how much money we have wasted when the inconsiderate nature of others ruins a perfectly enjoyable night. |
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Post by Deleted on May 31, 2016 16:43:17 GMT
Unfortunately, I don't think any of your theories regarding a pattern are correct, Tom. I say this based on my own experiences... I have paid a fortune in the stalls and dress circle only to have my wonderful afternoon or evening spoilt by badly behaved audience members who have "splashed out" on top price seats (remember, you can't buy class!). I rarely attend opening nights but have come across the same Audience Tom-Foolery. And the West End is full of these tossers, believe me... Like you, especially as I get older, my tolerance levels are dwindling... When I read posts like yours, I feel (slightly) glad that I am not the only one who feels this way. Likewise, in that case, are you ever inclined to speak to theatre staff about it? I have, on numerous occasions, and had very little impact. The worst experience encountered by me was a trip to the Lion King, two years ago. Again in the UC, as the tickets are always a bomb for this show, yet I had heard great things. Throughout the entire performance our seats were booted constantly by those behind us, and there was a steady flow of disruptions from late comers, and ushers shining torches in our face to direct them to their seats. Nothing was done when staff were spoken to, and so we took matters into our own hands when my partner turned to the offenders behind and "politely" request they stop. By this point of course, the evening was dampened. A subsequent email to the theatre was also ignored. Whereas when a similar thing happened in the stalls at Charlie, the theatre manager himself stood by our offending patrons behind to police their constant talking. It's sad to think how much money we have wasted when the inconsiderate nature of others ruins a perfectly enjoyable night. Oh yes! But I gave that up as a bad idea years ago... Some time in the early eighties, we went en famille to see The Wizard of Oz at the Barbican. Not the musical; a play with a couple of songs, I think, probably mounted by the RSC and definitely featuring a younger Imelda Staunton as Dorothy. Anyway, during Act One we were all bothered by a noisy family just behind us (we were in the upper circle, so just two looong rows) so I spoke to an usher about it at the interval. Unfortunately, This Wizard of Oz wasn't proving terribly popular, and there weren't many of us up there... As we took our seats for Act Two, the usher was speaking to them. We looked away, sheepishly, and could hear the Fishwife of the family screaming, "Well who said something? Go on, tell me, who was it?" This made for a very uncomfortable second half, as we knew we were going to be accosted on our way out... So haven't bothered with that since. I have contacted the theatre or producers directly on occasions, usually by letter. Once by email. They have been slow to respond (I wonder how many complaints like this they actually receive...) but I have chased them up. I once got complimentary tickets for another show when I accused the ushers of creating the disturbance! |
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Post by 49thand8th on Jun 1, 2016 16:38:07 GMT
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Post by shady23 on Jun 1, 2016 20:34:36 GMT
Someone near me in the front row at Jekkyl and Hyde was constantly checking her phone and even tried to make a call at one point. Also endless fidgeting and turning around. Very distracting.
Turned out her partner was late and not allowed in and we all got to hear about the whole drama in the interval when he finally arrived...
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Post by theglenbucklaird on Jun 1, 2016 21:09:55 GMT
Someone near me in the front row at Jekkyl and Hyde was constantly checking her phone and even tried to make a call at one point. Also endless fidgeting and turning around. Very distracting. Turned out her partner was late and not allowed in and we all got to hear about the whole drama in the interval when he finally arrived... He he |
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Post by DuchessConstance on Jun 1, 2016 23:01:44 GMT
Not exactly bad behaviour as not intentional, but someone in the circle of Sunset and Villa Thalia dropped their programme over the rail onto the level below.
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Post by Coated on Jun 1, 2016 23:26:47 GMT
Boo Hiss. Guy behind us at Les Blancs tonight thought it was appropriate to continue his intermission conversation after the lights went down in the dulcet tones of a peddler hawking his wares. Presumably he felt that the scene setting was not important and as long as the actors weren't talking yet, we'd prefer listening to him. I gave him a couple of minutes before I asked him to pipe down - he was utterly outraged at my audacity, but eventually stopped booming. Idiot.
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Post by DuchessConstance on Jun 2, 2016 17:26:39 GMT
Major drama in the onstage seating of People Places and Things this afternoon. One woman spent the whole first half jangling her 50 bracelets. In the interval a couple of people politely told her it was noisy and she lost it and started screaming at everyone. Even chased a young girl who decided to leave. One of the most shocking things I've witnessed in theatre.
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