Rude and inconsiderate theatregoers

Laz123

I had to sit through The Mouse Trap with some arrse behind whispering all the time. You'll get inconsiderate morons in all walks of life.

That's why I don't go to the cinema much now.

heretolearn_2

You should have started kicking the back of their seat. When they complain, you say 'you stop and I will. :-)

jennyjelly

maninthestreet wrote: »

Popcorn and lager in the auditorium during the performance???
Any theatre that values their reputation would never allow that.

I couldn't believe it either - they even projected an ad onto the curtain in the interval encouraging them to 'bring your drink in to enjoy during the performance'. I think it's appalling.

I belong to a little amateur theatre group and we don't allow it in out little 60 seat theatre - I can't imagine why the Bristol Hippodrome thinks it's ok - oh, could it be something to do with increasing sales of their extortionately prices goodies?

jennyjelly

heretolearn wrote: »

You should have started kicking the back of their seat. When they complain, you say 'you stop and I will. :-)

Brilliant, I SOOO wish I'd thought of that at the time!

jennyjelly

geri1965 wrote: »

I'm surprised they allow you to take alcoholic drinks to your seat - I went to the Bristol Hippodrome on Friday to see Tosca and a couple a few rows in front got spoken to by the usher for drinking champagne in the interval.

I had a bit of an issue myself with a couple in the row in front of me - all I was doing was trying to get some Minstrels out of my bag, admittedly they were rustling a bit but I was trying to be as quiet as I could, and they kept turning round and glaring at me. Very rude to stare, I was always told.

That's strange, we were at the Bristol Hippodrome as well and they were projecting an ad positively encouraging people to bring their drinks in!

I imagine the difference was your annoying people had brought their champers with them rather than buying it from the bar. Unless maybe you can buy it at the bar there in which case I'm confused:(

jennyjelly

Becles wrote: »

I don't think the theatre should have let them in late.

l

I absolutely agree. Due to traffic we arrived 10 mins late to the Bath Theatre Royal once and had to stand at the back until the interval - annoying at the time but I think a very good policy on the part of the theatre, it's right that they should be running for the benefit of the audience as a whole, and not allowing late-comers to annoy other patrons.

A bit harsh in your condition though - I do hope they gave you something to sit on!

valos_mummy

Might be worth making a complaint - well, not complaint per se but comment - to the theatre about how allowing latecomers and food/drink has ruined your experience. I went to an amdram performance at the weekend that stated on the doors that no food or drink was allowed, even though they sold drinks and sweets at the bar.

You never know, you might get some vouchers or a discount out of them for next time!

jennyjelly

We did wonder about complaining but decided that they theatre will probably say they are not responsible to the behaviour of individuals. Do you think it might be worth it?

stormbreaker

jennyjelly wrote: »

We did wonder about complaining but decided that they theatre will probably say they are not responsible to the behaviour of individuals. Do you think it might be worth it?

I would complain but keep the complaint short and to the point. Complain about them being allowed to take their seats late both at the start and at the interval.

A lot of people take sweets and drinks, alcoholic or not into the cinema and theatre and I think this although can be annoying is generally accepted. Unfortuntly the theatre cannot police what or how much they drink or any other ignorance, so I see no point in complaining to them about that.

What I find annoying is smelly people or over powering perfume! I think everyone should have to pass a 'sniff' test before entering!

Fuzzy_Duck

I would state all the main points, but keep it brief. The fact is they were generally disruptive throughout the whole play and ruined your enjoyment of it. You paid a lot of money for these tickets and it is certainly worth complaining. Personally I think you have a right to be angry- you asked them to shut up and they didn't. A member of staff threatening to kick them out if they didn't behave might have done the trick and let everyone else enjoy the play.

This couple were presumably annoying not only you, but the people in front of them and the entire row each time they came in late and faffed about. As you could hear their whispering, they clearly weren't whispering quietly enough, and would have still been disturbing the people on either side of them anyway. They obviously weren't that interested in watching it if they spoke to each other the whole time.

From my experience I have never known a theatre let late people in. If you're late, tough, and if you need the loo you have to wait until the interval (although I will say the staff who wouldn't let Becles come back in should have had more sympathy- a pregnant woman needing the loo is very different to a couple who drink their lager too fast)! Anyway, that would be my main complaint. Letting in late comers disturbs both the audience and the actors- letting them come in late twice and then pop to the loo whenever they feel like it is taking the pi$$.

Last time I went to the theatre OH whipped his mobile out and tried to take a pic of the finale. I didn't even notice but the staff sure did. If they can be that vigilant of people sneaking pics of their plays (not that he intended it like that, just wanted it a keepsake and was a bit daft to think he'd get away with it) I see no reason why they can't tell people to be quiet or they'll have to leave.