Reports of disruptive behaviour in British theatres are on the rise, raising concerns about the decline of traditional audience etiquette. Incidents include an usher being punched in Edinburgh, a heckler targeting a child actor at the Royal Opera House, and illicit photos taken of James Norton in the West End. On Good Friday, a performance of the Bodyguard in Manchester was halted after two audience members sang along tunelessly, prompting police intervention.
Kirsty Sedgman, a theatre lecturer at the University of Bristol and author of On Being Unreasonable, argues that conflicting understandings of 'reasonable' behaviour are at the root of the problem. She notes that productive conversations are lacking, as people resort to yelling rather than seeking solutions. Sedgman fears the situation may worsen before it improves.
The debate over proper conduct is not new, but recent incidents have intensified scrutiny. Some argue that the sanctity of the stage is under threat, while others see the fuss as overblown. The theatre industry faces the challenge of balancing audience participation with maintaining a respectful environment for performers and fellow spectators.
