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Post by tonyloco on Apr 14, 2018 17:29:51 GMT
Don’t get me started on popcorn at the Theatre. Are you folks familiar with the Spike Jones recording called 'Popcorn Sack'? It's about popcorn at the movies but the problem is the same.
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Post by david on Apr 14, 2018 21:51:38 GMT
At tonights performance of Of mice and men at the Manchester Opera House, I think that was one of the worst audiences that I have sat with. Of the bad behaviour encountered -
The 2 drunk women who completely ruined the majority of Act 1 by deciding it was completely acceptable to talk loudly to each other during the performance. Thankfully FOH staff kicked them out in the end. This actually got a big round of applause from us! Big thanks to the FOH staff for taking action and to the duty manager for coming around and apologising for the disruption.
Then in Act 2 some idiot decided to munch on a big bag of crisps for the entire Act. Surely it is physically possible not to eat for 1 hour? So during the really quiet moments all you could hear was this idiot munching away! It was a good job that I couldn't spot them as I probably would of shoved the crisps right down their throat!
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Post by daisy24601 on Apr 14, 2018 21:53:05 GMT
I saw plenty of kids at Wicked in my days of going a lot, never heard anyone complaining to them or even giving them so much as a dirty look.
And I cannot understand why anyone thought selling popcorn at a theatre was a good idea! Cinema fine, but not live theatre.
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Post by poster J on Apr 14, 2018 23:12:26 GMT
Congratulations to the man sitting across the aisle from me at The Ferryman tonight who entirely ruined Act III for me by scratching his fingers against his empty plastic cup and shaking it for the whole Act, including when there was absolute silence onstage. Completely ruined the dramatic tension.
Sadly I was just a bit too far away to tell him to stop, snatch the cup from his hand or knock him out.
We also had about half a dozen phones going off or vibrating in the Circle alone despite numerous warnings from the staff, a load of people who couldn't sit still, several people who chose the most tense, quiet part of the play to get up and go out to the toilets, and the serial chatterboxes. No wonder my blood pressure is high...
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Post by showgirl on Apr 15, 2018 4:47:04 GMT
I saw plenty of kids at Wicked in my days of going a lot, never heard anyone complaining to them or even giving them so much as a dirty look. And I cannot understand why anyone thought selling popcorn at a theatre was a good idea! Cinema fine, but not live theatre. Oy! Why should it be fine for cinema audiences (or the few of us left NOT slurping/stuffing their faces) to have their enjoyment disturbed, but not for theatregoers? Long since a lost cause but it's not just the noise; most snacks, including popcorn, smell horrible and my heart always sinks when, after I've arrived early and carefully chosen my seat, later arrivals bearing large open containers of popcorn and huge vats of liquid position themselves near me.
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Post by BurlyBeaR on Apr 15, 2018 6:56:31 GMT
Nachos need banning from cinemas. They stink.
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Post by ellie1981 on Apr 15, 2018 9:03:54 GMT
I never understand why some people buy huge bags of popcorn when most of it ends up on the floor. If you only wanted and needed half that amount then why not get a small?
I usually go by myself or with two particular friends. One time I went with some of the girls from work as they were doing a quote-along version of 10 Things I Hate About You. I was appalled at one of them whom I would class more of a friendly colleague rather than a friend. Very professional at work, but when it came to the cinema she was purposely late and bought a mountain of popcorn. After about 10 minutes of grazing on it, the whole bag dropped on the floor and she wasn’t at all phased or apologetic. It just seemed to be one of those things that is apparently acceptable behaviour.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2018 9:51:08 GMT
Much of what’s reported in this thread isn’t considered bad behaviour any more.
Unfortunately it’s now fairly normal behaviour in the theatre.
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Post by Cardinal Pirelli on Apr 15, 2018 11:15:56 GMT
I saw plenty of kids at Wicked in my days of going a lot, never heard anyone complaining to them or even giving them so much as a dirty look. And I cannot understand why anyone thought selling popcorn at a theatre was a good idea! Cinema fine, but not live theatre. Oy! Why should it be fine for cinema audiences (or the few of us left NOT slurping/stuffing their faces) to have their enjoyment disturbed, but not for theatregoers? Long since a lost cause but it's not just the noise; most snacks, including popcorn, smell horrible and my heart always sinks when, after I've arrived early and carefully chosen my seat, later arrivals bearing large open containers of popcorn and huge vats of liquid position themselves near me. The smell of popcorn makes me nauseous. With that, and other audience behaviour, I haven’t been to a cinema in decades (Evita, I think).
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2018 11:22:13 GMT
Oy! Why should it be fine for cinema audiences (or the few of us left NOT slurping/stuffing their faces) to have their enjoyment disturbed, but not for theatregoers? Long since a lost cause but it's not just the noise; most snacks, including popcorn, smell horrible and my heart always sinks when, after I've arrived early and carefully chosen my seat, later arrivals bearing large open containers of popcorn and huge vats of liquid position themselves near me. The smell of popcorn makes me nauseous. With that, and other audience behaviour, I haven’t been to a cinema in decades (Evita, I think). I agree. I've always thought that if a fart had a taste, it would taste like cinema popcorn. Enjoy that folks next time you're heading off to the multiplex. You're welcome.
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Post by david on Apr 15, 2018 12:12:23 GMT
Much of what’s reported in this thread isn’t considered bad behaviour any more. Unfortunately it’s now fairly normal behaviour in the theatre. Can’t argue with that statement. I just find it really depressing that you cannot go to the theatre to enjoy a show and not come across those people who think that it is acceptable to turn up wasted and then continue to drink throughout the performance, ultimately ruining the show for the majority of behaved patrons. There is one thing having a social drink and another getting bladdered and then they wonder why everyone around them is having a go at them when they become disruptive. I don’t know if it’s a changing culture here in the UK that had caused an increase in anti-social behaviour within the theatre going public, but was interesting was that on my first NY trip 2 years ago, of the 10 shows I watched, I didn’t notice any of the kinds of behaviour that are commonly reported on this thread in any of those shows. It was actually really nice just to watch them in peace and soak up the experience of great theatre. I’m sure they do happen, but probably not to the extent of here in the UK.
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Post by d'James on Apr 15, 2018 13:46:52 GMT
Idiots at the midnight performance of Titanic last night who strolled in to the auditorium at 2340 (the show’s start time) and then gathered in the aisle chatting. Two ushers were trying their best but they just would not go to their seats. Selfish (drunk) idiots.
Also, some people managed to be late.
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Post by glossie on Apr 15, 2018 15:32:37 GMT
Much of what’s reported in this thread isn’t considered bad behaviour any more. Unfortunately it’s now fairly normal behaviour in the theatre. Which is why, much as I really do miss my previously regular theatre trips (which it has to be said weren't usually without distractions, even at a Cheltenham matinee!) I'm not in a hurry to make the difficult journey down to London or anywhere else. If I have to endure an expensive 5 hour train journey and an overnight stay and then have my evening ruined by inconsiderate audience members...well, thanks but I'll pass. I'll rely on you lovely lot to keep me informed and entertained, so - Thank you for doing just that!
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Post by richey on Apr 15, 2018 15:38:35 GMT
There is, as David says above, a change in culture. The theatres themsleves seem to actively promote eating and drinking as much as possible- one of my biggest annoyances in the ATG theatres here in Manchester is the scheme where the ushers are now basically waiters at your beck and call to keep patrons stocked up.
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Post by d'James on Apr 15, 2018 15:46:26 GMT
There is, as David says above, a change in culture. The theatres themsleves seem to actively promote eating and drinking as much as possible- one of my biggest annoyances in the ATG theatres here in Manchester is the scheme where the ushers are now basically waiters at your beck and call to keep patrons stocked up. Next they’ll get rid of rows of seats and just have tables with service throughout performances.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2018 15:50:35 GMT
Popcorn in cinemas is less of an issue, because an awful lot of films are SO LOUD, and there being multiple screenings of each film throughout the day makes it much less likely that the audience will all be rammed in together in tight proximity, plus even if the biggest star in the film is Imelda Staunton, you can eat ANYTHING without disturbing the performers. You can tear my over-priced salty buttery nutrition-free snack from my cold dead hands, or on the day when I actually eat it loudly enough to bother you from five rows away.
There's no excusing people who leave litter all over the floor though. You're going to pass several bins on your way out of the cinema, take your rubbish with you!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2018 17:46:07 GMT
There is, as David says above, a change in culture. The theatres themsleves seem to actively promote eating and drinking as much as possible- one of my biggest annoyances in the ATG theatres here in Manchester is the scheme where the ushers are now basically waiters at your beck and call to keep patrons stocked up. Oh yes that 'Order-torium' scheme thing. Think they've rolled it out across alot of ATG venues. Sit there, text your order and they bring it over to you. Its just another way of them cashing in on peoples laziness with their ridiculously marked-up products.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2018 17:47:17 GMT
Popcorn in cinemas is less of an issue, because an awful lot of films are SO LOUD, and there being multiple screenings of each film throughout the day makes it much less likely that the audience will all be rammed in together in tight proximity, plus even if the biggest star in the film is Imelda Staunton, you can eat ANYTHING without disturbing the performers. You can tear my over-priced salty buttery nutrition-free snack from my cold dead hands, or on the day when I actually eat it loudly enough to bother you from five rows away. There's no excusing people who leave litter all over the floor though. You're going to pass several bins on your way out of the cinema, take your rubbish with you! Our local Vue (N1) now asks you to leave your rubbish behind, I think so that they can control the recycling better. It felt very odd to me to leave my rubbish for someone else to clean up.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 15, 2018 17:52:49 GMT
Popcorn in cinemas is less of an issue, because an awful lot of films are SO LOUD, and there being multiple screenings of each film throughout the day makes it much less likely that the audience will all be rammed in together in tight proximity, plus even if the biggest star in the film is Imelda Staunton, you can eat ANYTHING without disturbing the performers. You can tear my over-priced salty buttery nutrition-free snack from my cold dead hands, or on the day when I actually eat it loudly enough to bother you from five rows away. There's no excusing people who leave litter all over the floor though. You're going to pass several bins on your way out of the cinema, take your rubbish with you! Yes in a cinema, aside from obviously smelly food that will stink the place out, I'm never usually close enough to anyone for their food to bother me. Plus with Marvel et al believing LOUDER IS BETTER for everything, I'd challenge someone to eat their popcorn louder than whatever is going on. Obviously generally not munching on a loaf of garlic bread sitting next to someone is good form but other than that I'm less inclined to be militant about it in the cinema.
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Post by longinthetooth on Apr 15, 2018 19:16:24 GMT
Popcorn in cinemas is less of an issue, because an awful lot of films are SO LOUD, and there being multiple screenings of each film throughout the day makes it much less likely that the audience will all be rammed in together in tight proximity, plus even if the biggest star in the film is Imelda Staunton, you can eat ANYTHING without disturbing the performers. You can tear my over-priced salty buttery nutrition-free snack from my cold dead hands, or on the day when I actually eat it loudly enough to bother you from five rows away. There's no excusing people who leave litter all over the floor though. You're going to pass several bins on your way out of the cinema, take your rubbish with you! Yes in a cinema, aside from obviously smelly food that will stink the place out, I'm never usually close enough to anyone for their food to bother me. Plus with Marvel et al believing LOUDER IS BETTER for everything, I'd challenge someone to eat their popcorn louder than whatever is going on. Obviously generally not munching on a loaf of garlic bread sitting next to someone is good form but other than that I'm less inclined to be militant about it in the cinema. I mentioned previously about a family in the cinema who brought in KFC, chips and ketchup, and were about to leave all the rubbish on the floor until they saw our filthy looks and heard our comments.
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Post by stagebyte on Apr 15, 2018 23:55:38 GMT
Add Tina to the list of ‘singalong’ musicals. Much loud singing and arm waving going on. Congratulations on knowing all the words. Glad you enjoyed yourself. We were having a great time listening to you. Wish I’d saved on the ticket now. Could’ve easily listened to you all night. It was just like having Tina herself in the circle with us. Who needs actors anyway? I Just Can’t Even.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2018 12:02:19 GMT
To the lady next to me at “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.” Did your hands really need moisturising so much during the quiet bits of the second act?
(I have a pathological hatred of people grooming in public. Unless you do not have bathroom at home, you do not need to do your make up, pluck your eyebrows or clip your nails near someone you don’t know.)
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Post by Jon on Apr 17, 2018 15:38:30 GMT
To the lady next to me at “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.” Did your hands really need moisturising so much during the quiet bits of the second act? (I have a pathological hatred of people grooming in public. Unless you do not have bathroom at home, you do not need to do your make up, pluck your eyebrows or clip your nails near someone you don’t know.) It doesn't annoy me but I wonder how poor some people's time management is if they're doing their make up or grooming on public transport
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2018 16:05:27 GMT
To the lady next to me at “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.” Did your hands really need moisturising so much during the quiet bits of the second act? (I have a pathological hatred of people grooming in public. Unless you do not have bathroom at home, you do not need to do your make up, pluck your eyebrows or clip your nails near someone you don’t know.) It doesn't annoy me but I wonder how poor some people's time management is if they're doing their make up or grooming on public transport I admire people's ability to keep a steady hand when applying mascara on the bus - I poke my eye on a regular basis when I try to do it at home. I can't remember the details but someone did a study once about how much less sleep women get over their lifetimes than men due to that extra 15-20 mins of hair management and makeup in the morning. Totally don't blame people for staying in bed instead and using that time on the tube. Nail clipping is vile though.
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Post by londonmzfitz on Apr 17, 2018 16:11:33 GMT
To the lady next to me at “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.” Did your hands really need moisturising so much during the quiet bits of the second act? (I have a pathological hatred of people grooming in public. Unless you do not have bathroom at home, you do not need to do your make up, pluck your eyebrows or clip your nails near someone you don’t know.) Saw Hamilton last month, Saturday night, 4th row damn on centre stalls. Thrilled. The woman in front chose to put eyedrops in 20 minutes into the second act. It may not be "grooming" but jeez, lady, what the giddy heck? Interval not good enough? Couldn't wait till the end? It's not like you can drop eyedrops in your eye surreptitiously ... Yeah, it was about 30 seconds of my life, but I really did wonder about the timing ...
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2018 16:19:05 GMT
Yeah, I find it hard to write off make-up on public transport as being the same as other types of grooming. If your grooming has the potential to leave things behind (toothpaste spit, toenail clippings, stray hairs, etc) then keep it to the privacy of your own home, but if you've got a steady enough hand to do your make-up on a moving vehicle and have written that into your morning routine, then I'm just going to respect you as the artistic wizard you are, and not sit quietly disapproving of you because I have decided that you can wake up half an hour earlier even though I know literally nothing about you or your pre-commuting morning routine.
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Post by poster J on Apr 17, 2018 17:44:15 GMT
To the lady next to me at “Everyone’s Talking About Jamie.” Did your hands really need moisturising so much during the quiet bits of the second act? (I have a pathological hatred of people grooming in public. Unless you do not have bathroom at home, you do not need to do your make up, pluck your eyebrows or clip your nails near someone you don’t know.) It doesn't annoy me but I wonder how poor some people's time management is if they're doing their make up or grooming on public transport Believe me, if you worked 16 hours the previous day and have to get up for work at the usual time despite getting home from work at 2am, you would want the extra 10 mins sleep as well. Commuting is otherwise wasted time that you can't avoid. And in terms of eye drops - if you suffer from dry eyes then it really can make a difference to whether you can enjoy the performance or not. I always carry an eye spray and use it whenever I have to, which occasionally can't wait until the interval. It's easy to complain when you don't know a person's specific circumstances, especially from a medical perspective.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2018 17:53:56 GMT
I can't remember the details but someone did a study once about how much less sleep women get over their lifetimes than men due to that extra 15-20 mins of hair management and makeup in the morning. Totally don't blame people for staying in bed instead and using that time on the tube. Nail clipping is vile though. Perhaps a better way to disrupt the grooming double standard is to work on why women even feel they have to spend their time on make up. I don’t think they are dismantling the patriarchy or cheating the system by getting extra time in bed. Perhaps if they weren’t wasting time doing their make up they might be able to read a book or otherwise nourish themselves? (And yes, I get that some women wear make up because they love it and it nourishes them, but I do not believe for a second that the vast majority of women would wear make up if they hadn’t spent their whole lives hearing the message that we are not attractive without it.)
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Post by showgirl on Apr 17, 2018 18:12:45 GMT
I've posted my response on make-up in the "Share Your Unpopular Opinions" thread as it would have taken this one too far off-topic. Otherwise yes, essential medication aside, save your primping and preening for the privacy of your home.
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Post by 49thand8th on Apr 17, 2018 18:28:02 GMT
Yeah, I find it hard to write off make-up on public transport as being the same as other types of grooming. If your grooming has the potential to leave things behind (toothpaste spit, toenail clippings, stray hairs, etc) then keep it to the privacy of your own home, but if you've got a steady enough hand to do your make-up on a moving vehicle and have written that into your morning routine, then I'm just going to respect you as the artistic wizard you are, and not sit quietly disapproving of you because I have decided that you can wake up half an hour earlier even though I know literally nothing about you or your pre-commuting morning routine. That's how I feel about food as well — if it leaves nothing behind, who cares? If it's not crumbly or smelly, I'm fine with you doing it on the train. I'm totally fine with lotion too, as long as it's not too scented. I always carry lotion in my purse with me, but the scented ones stay home!
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