Bad Behaviour at a Show

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.

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!

I think pre show announcements are a bit like pre flight demonstrations, hardly anyone listens or watches them.

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…

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!).

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.

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.

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.

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.