The Perfect Gentleman Issue 8 - Halloween | Page 27

Uncle Henry Question: Oh Yes you Did! A Guide to Theatre Etiquette Dear Uncle Henry, Last week my husband and I went to see a play and stand-up comedy gig. At both events we were subjected to some really inconsiderate behaviour. At the theatre, we were sitting next to a young couple and during most of the performance the glow of the man’s mobile phone was a constant light source as was his continual tapping away. Luckily for the performers he was far enough back not to be noticed but it distracted myself and at least half a dozen other people. At the Stand-up gig, the comedian got so fed up and upset by the constant chattering of a trio in the front row he had them removed from the show, much to the joy of the rest of the audience. This is the first time I have ever seen that happen. So my question, is there a set of rules/etiquette for going to theatre or live performances. Yours Theatrically, Tammy London, England Answer: Dear Tammy, Thank you for the question. I have to say this is one of my favourite questions as it is one of my personal bugbears of modern society, especially with the dreaded mobile phone. I am of an age when the Theatre or any live event was an experience, an event, something you dressed for. Sadly, with the ever increasing creep of casualness in our society, this has faded. My mother used to say that any public event that occurred in a darkened room had to have rules and the first one was to dress up. I think she would be turning in her glitter encrusted coffin if she saw some of the sartorial horrors that I have witnessed in the theatre. So Tammy, yes there are some rules that apply to going to a live performance, Here is my guide to Theatre Etiquette: Dress Correctly - Nowadays, the formal dinner suits and gowns of yesteryear are reserved for galas, opening nights and other special occasions. But that does not mean that you should not respect the performance, the performers and the venue. Dress appropriately - it is never acceptable to wear shorts and flipflops. Uncle Henry 27