If, as Dr Ramani Durvasala posits, we’re living in an age of massive entitlement and incivility, this could explain the rise in theatre bad behaviour. According to an article in The Guardian (published yesterday) there’s been a huge rise in violence, disruption, loud food consumption, etc. across the UK.
Several actors and members of theatre staff cited examples of people shouting, singing, eating pizza and whole chickens (!) holding mobile phone conversations, etc. during shows.
Interactive and relaxed shows are entirely different, of course. Singalongs and family shows, or immersive theatre encourages the veil between spectator and actor to be lifted.
While audiences are generally pretty respectful, there have been incidents of violence erupting at live performances. Recently, I heard of two audience members -elderly men in basques- beating the crap out of each other at The Rocky Horror Show. I mean, keep the action for the stage, guys. Only in Glasgow…
Except, it’s not just happening in Glasgow. Reports of toxic behaviour at the theatre across cities are increasing. It’s been blamed, variously, on the rise of streaming services; the post-lockdown fervour of being in public again, and the ubiquity of mobile phones.
ALL of the above are a possibility, certainly. But maybe, it is as Dr Ramani suggests, more about the narcissistic, selfish selfie culture? I was at a recent show with my friend, and some people in front of us, who’d paid good money (as with everyone else) seemed more interested in texting, going online and posing during the interval at the ornate theatre staircase for Instagram. It’s the need to document everything that’s becoming a problem: the “I was there” mentality. But you weren’t really there – not truly present- you weren’t even watching!
Screens and camera filters create life at a distance. Put your camera phones away, the show is only a couple of hours long. If you don’t like it, quietly leave. Don’t bring KFC! FFS, have some food before or after the performance. It’s not your living room, and theatre ain’t Netflix.
Hit The North 