Drinking in theatres

This is a subject that occasionally gets aired around The Playhouse - namely, should audiences be allowed to take drinks into the auditorium? At present, they are not, although the practice has been allowed for specific events, such as Old Time Music Hall, where it is part of the whole experience and re-creating the atmosphere of Victorian music halls.

However, some people feel quite strongly that patrons should be allowed to take their interval drinks - or even pre-performance drinks - into the auditorium with them to continue drinking during the show. In theatres where this is allowed, glasses are usually replaced (for obvious health and safety reasons) with plastic glasses. This, in turn, tends to result in the sound of cracking plastic as people step on empties placed on the floor.

I, personally, don't agree with the practice and it seems that many performers, playwrights and producers are siding with me (wise people) according to an article in today's Daily Mail! West End theatres have noticed an increasing trend in bad behaviour, some of it seemingly alcohol fuelled, to the extend that BOUNCERS are being employed by some venues! At performance of the recently-closed A Little Night Music, one audience member actually walked over to the side of the stage and 'relieved himself'. Door staff at another theatre have actually been assaulted by drunk patrons. Producer Nica Burns, who co-owns five London venues, is among those hiring security staff because audiences can "get quite hectic and boisterous". Playwright Ronald Harwood, who has two plays on in London at present, has called for a ban: "I am deeply opposed to the taking of drink into the auditorium. I think it is an insult to the actors and the play. The audience should be in the play, not the pub."

The Mail article also relates many instances of performers being interrupted by mobile phones ringing, or texting, or taking photos with phones and cameras. Greta Scacchi relates how one audience member called out during a dramatic moment during The Deep Blue Sea last year and when other people told him to 'sssh' he shouted back "Chill out, I'm only having a bit of fun!"

I shall be keeping a close eye on this one. I suspect the debate will continue for some time.