The theatre is a place of magic and wonder, where the arts come alive and transport us to different worlds. It's a space where we can escape the humdrum of daily life and immerse ourselves in the spectacle of live performance. But just as there are unwritten rules in life, there are codes of conduct in the theatre that should be respected to ensure everyone's enjoyment of the show. Unfortunately, not everyone seems to be aware of these guidelines, leading to some truly shocking breaches of theatre etiquette.

Recently, the theatre community was abuzz with outrage after an attendee at a performance of Cabaret took it upon themselves to open and consume a can of tuna during the show. This incident, which was shared by Alyssa Naka Silver on TikTok, has sparked a wider conversation about what is and isn't acceptable behaviour for theatregoers. The video, which showed Alyssa's disbelief at her seatmate's actions, resonated with many who shared their own experiences of disruptive behaviour in the theatre.

Theatres often have decorum in place so audience members can behave accordingly. Image Credit: Pexels/Matheus Viana

From the crinkling of candy wrappers to the bright screens of smartphones, the list of distractions is long and varied. One commenter recounted the frustration of sitting behind someone who loudly cheered every costume change during a performance of Sunset Boulevard. Another shared the disbelief of witnessing a patron clipping their nails in the audience. These stories highlight a lack of consideration that can ruin the experience for others.

To shed light on proper theatre manners, experts emphasised the importance of decorum once the curtain rises. Lisa Mirza Grotts, a former board member of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and president of the San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary, reminded theatregoers that 'your seat is not your living room.' She urged respect for the performers and fellow patrons, advising against any behaviour that could distract from the show, including texting, eating noisy foods, or engaging in conversation.

Nick Leighton, host of the etiquette podcast 'Were You Raised By Wolves?' described the act of eating a can of tuna in the theatre as 'bold' and a clear violation of the unwritten social contract of public spaces. He stressed the importance of not bothering others with noise or smells, and advised leaving the singing to the professionals, no matter how well you know the soundtrack.

For those who may be expecting an urgent call or message, the experts recommend stepping out into the lobby rather than disrupting the performance and audience from your seat. It's a simple act of courtesy that can make all the difference.

As members of the Seniors Discount Club, we understand the value of tradition and respect. The theatre is one of the last bastions of cultural refinement and shared experience, and it's up to us to preserve its sanctity. Let's lead by example and show the younger generations how to enjoy the arts with grace and consideration.

So, before you head out to your next theatre outing, remember these golden rules of theatre etiquette. Keep your phones off, your snacks silent, and your comments to yourself until the curtain call. And if you're ever in doubt about what's appropriate, just ask yourself: Would this enhance or detract from the magic of the theatre for those around me?

Key Takeaways

• Theatergoers should adhere to etiquette rules to show respect for performers and fellow audience members.
• Eating noisy or smelly foods like a can of tuna during a performance is considered unacceptable behaviour.
• Etiquette experts advise against engaging in disruptive activities such as texting, talking loudly, or singing along during a show.
• Patrons expecting urgent calls or texts should manage them discreetly outside the theatre to avoid disturbing others.

We'd love to hear from you, our seasoned theatre enthusiasts. What are your top theatre etiquette tips, or do you have any theatre horror stories of your own? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let's continue to support the arts with the respect they deserve.

 

[Wombat2u2004]

Does that include rolling jaffas down the floor? Asking for a friend.

 

[ShezzieD]

My pet grievance is people who wear their hair in very high buns or top knots. They have no consideration for those behind them who then have obstructed views! Might as well be wearing a top hat!