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Michael McIntyre Walks Off Stage - What Constitutes Bad Audience Behaviour?

Published on

October 15, 2014

By

douglasmayo

Comedian Michael McIntyre walked offstage during a sold-out show because a member of the audience in the front row kept using her phone, it has emerged.

According to the Northern Echo newspaper, McIntyre asked security to 'sort it out' and promised the audience at Darlington's Civic Theatre that he would be back, before leaving the stage.

Fans in the audience chanted for the woman to be thrown out and security staff spoke to her.

Soon after the comedian, carried on his act. After the show people on Twitter apologised to the comedian.

This incident once again raises questions about theatre etiquette and what behaviour is acceptable from audience members.

Long-time theatre goer Richard Gresham was motivated to start The Theatre Charter recently in response to bad behaviour in theatre, with over 1800 people now signed to the charter.

We'd like to know of any bad audience behaviour you have encountered of late, and just what you think is acceptable. Given the high price of some theatre tickets is it an absurd expectation to be allowed to enjoy a show without interruption from other audience members? Are performers right in stopping the show when an audience member is disruptive? Thoughts please....

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