feature - why on earth is theatre etiquette so diabolical?

(Feature for print assignment)

Imagine it: you're seeing your favourite show. The music swells, the lights go up, the actor pauses as the ensemble come together. the showstopper is about to begi-

PING.

The moment is ruined by someone getting a text.

Going to the theatre is a uniquely incredible experience. It's a chance to escape. The story is playing out right in front of you in real time, with the most skilled and passionate of performers giving it their all. It blows my mind that not everyone can appreciate this. I took my seat for Matilda the Musical at the Edinburgh Playhouse, and as soon as two people sat in front of me and started chatting, I knew I would be leaving frustrated.

I'm not surprised however - I can't remember the last trip I had to the theatre that didn't involve a disruptive audience member. When I went to see Hamilton last December, a full-blown arguement broke out during one of the quietest parts of the show. People talking, singing, turning up drunk and phone usage are the the most reported issues from audience members and theatre staff. But why is this? What happened to turning up and watching the performance?

Theatre etiquette is a huge problem. it appears to have gotten worse since the COVID-19 pandemic,. A time where we were all stuck indoors, no restrictions and we could do whatever we liked whenever we liked. Nobody judged or told us what to do. Coming back into a restricted world after being free for so long has proven difficult for some.

in addition, many of us resorted to streaming services a lot more than we usually would. As a result, we are used to being in full control of when and what we watch on screens. This is a world away from the theatre. it's a very 'strict' environment compared to our houses because it is an occasion and not everyone understands this. This exact performance you are witnessing will never happen again, You can't just pause or replay it.

Some people don't appreciate the performance as a bigger thing, i.e a full day out, and they forget that there are live performers in front of them and an audience who want to engage. Additionally, I believe we care less about other's opinions of us or what we do, which results in people acting entitled or how they would act in their houses.

Shushing someone is never nice, especially if they are mean about it. How can you not understand that others, not just you, have paid good money to see this performance which is a form of escapism and entertainment? Considering theatre tickets are now more of a luxury than they used to be. People save and sacrifice a lot to afford this potentially once in a lifetime treat, and it will not be worth their effort if there are distractions every five minutes.

Bad etiquette isn't only disrespectful to your fellow audience members, but also for the performers. Don't forget they are people too, and don't think they don't notice you just because they're doing their jobs and the theatre is dark. West End performer and TikTok star Hannah Lowther has spoken out about the issue of people filming during shows on her social media. She describes it as 'blaatently obvious and incredibly distracting'.

I don't find it a problem, rather second nature, to sit still, remain quiet and face the front. It's almost like we need to go back to primary school assemblies to teach certain people manners and respect. The fact there is a guide by London Theatre to this is beyond concerning.

"Theatre etiquette is extremely important to ensuring everyone in the auditorium has a pleasant experience... So to have it taken away by members of the public that behave in an offensive manner can disrupt the entire show."

Ultimately, theatre etiquette has got diabolical due to one major factor which ties into everything: our attention spans. Social media algorithems are mainly at fault for this. Befofre lockdown, we were constantly stimulated, bur this hasn't been the case since everything paused. Audiences can't last more than half an hour on one set thing. they get bored, and in the outside world when we're bored, what do we do? We have a scroll. it's a mindless spiral that's destroying our nature.

This isn't just for the theatre. Everywhere from the cinema to the dinner table is affected. I hope people can learn to live in the moment and respect others more by engaging and taking notice. Perhaps, you'll learn something you didn't realise or that you missed the first time round. It will be beneficial for you, the audience around you and the performers themselves if you were with them, not stuck in your own world.

This is how all theatre should be enjoyed.