Laura Benanti on people not clapping at the theatre

I personally do clap regardless, but there's a difference between a polite clap and an impassioned clap. I don't think there's really an answer to this argument though, as both sides make good points.

Sorry, I read my friend's message wrong. He hadn't seen it, but he said he was sure she was joking.

I then assume he asked one of the cast members and he said this: 'I wholeheartedly agree with her! There was one guy in the front row (I think) just sitting there glaring with his arms crossed. I mean, the actors can see you guys out there in the audience... It throws them off. And why waste $150 on a ticket if you're not going to enjoy a live show? Stay at home! I'm with Laura on this one.'

Was this seriously about ONE PERSON not clapping?! ONE PERSON?? She's been getting rave reviews and received a Tony nomination, yet she actually decided to make a song and dance (literally) because of one person in the audience who didn't enjoy the show??

^ yep... and I'm affraid I unfollowed her- I think she is a great talent, and was a great fan of her twitter personality- love me some snark and sass.. but learning that she didn't joke...shame this is her take on theatre etiquette..

Not what I wanted to be known for (lol thank god it's all somewhat anonymous), but I just disagree with their sentiment... someone needed to say it I think..

No-one is obliged to applaud. If you didn't like or enjoy what you just saw, don't clap, it's as easy as that.

Frances said she didn't like the Les Mis performance at the Oliviers last year (or two years ago) and her comment was something along the lines of " no life behind the eyes, didn't believe it" to which Carrie responded it was sad to see someone she looked up to say that (never forgetting to mention she played little Eponine) and thank god they won the award moments later to help forget such remarks (paraphrasing slightly)

Are you Sheridan Smith?!?!?!

Social media really does show up how precious, entitled etc some performers are. I've unfollowed so many over the years. Recently Michael xavier for being sensitive to someone's tweet and posting it on Instagram. The poor person was from Spain (I think) so didn't have English as their first language. They basically said although it was a great performance it wasn't as magical and special as they had expected due to no Glenn close. He took offence and said they were contradicting themselves etc. It just seemed unnecessary

Likewise here, picking out one audience member who didn't clap...just one. There is every possibility that for a medical reason they can't clap. But no, that won't have crossed their minds. Actors do a great job in entertaining an audience, but let's face it they aren't saving lives here. They are paid to do a job. Imagine going into most other jobs and demanding additional priase every day.

I usually clap but if I haven't enjoyed something I wouldn't clap.

Frankly I thought She Loves Me was pretty poor - but I did clap politely at the curtain call. That's what it's for.

Clapping in the middle of the show for a solo should mean that you were extra blown away by what just happened, surely you can't demand it as a mere politeness or it loses all meaning?! I would have thought performers would rather know that spontaneous mid-show applause is heartfelt instead of perfunctory.

Wow. Carrie Hope-Fletcher though.

How on EARTH would these people survive in the outside world? 

Sit down dear. And zip it. 

I wouldn't come in contact with miss Fletcher because I just said this- (in response to her saying she thanks her bus driver)
-do you thank him every time the bus stops? or just when its your stop to get off? that's what curtain is for
and
-It's such a me me me I deserve praise attitude- no one clapped for me at the military, we worked just as hard I think

to which she blocked me... ha!
then she tweets this:


so one audience member not clapping= the death of courtesy, respect and kindness...