Ok, I know things have changed and people these days feel they can do what they want when they want, but when it comes to disturbing other people’s enjoyment I draw the line.
For example, why must people feel that when they go to the flicks they have to have a seven-course meal whilst watching the movie! Ok, I exaggerate. But a large carton of noisy popcorn and smelly hotdogs does not enhance one’s experience and concentration. Especially in the quiet episodes where something crucial is about to happen. It just spoils the suspension and one’s concentration. And what about rustle-y sweets! These should be banned from EVERY theatre.
I give you some examples. Last week I attended the amazing Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake at the Liverpool Empire. It was one of the best things I have seen. Listening to Tchaikovsky’s enigmatic score and watching some of the most beautiful choreography ever I was severely distracted by adults and kids dipping into their sweetie bags and tearing off the wrappers.
And then at Fact viewing the excellent Colin Firth’s Bafta-awarding-winning performance in A Single Man three women sitting next to me were nursing glasses of white wine. The vino had obviously gone to their heads for they could not stop chatting or giggling before the movie. Two people in front of them had already moved seats. When I asked them to be quiet when the film began they answered: “It hasn’t started yet.” But they had and I was worried they’d continue. To be fair they weren’t all that bad, and only occasionally distracted me, but the chance that they MIGHT was enough to keep me on edge, with only 95 per cent of my attention on the screen. The glasses were never empty even though they were continually drinking. I reckon they had a full bottle stashed in their Primark bags.
One occasion at Fact, some years ago, in The Box, a couple kept coming and going to refresh their alcohol intake, returning time and again with another bottle of beer. And they talked through the whole movie, even though I asked them politely to desist.
The man said that the sound of the film was louder than their chat – cheeky beggar. But at the end when we all headed for the coffee shop he offered to pay for our snacks as an apology. We accepted, but it did not make enjoying the movie any better. In fact I hardly remember what it was all about due to their selfish behaviour.
So what are theatres and cinemas to do? Why not give folk cardboard cups into which they can disperse their sweeties, and ban alcohol inside the auditorium. If people want to eat and drink they can do so outside in the bar before the show or at the interval. To allow them to bring their goodies into the performance and spoil everyone else’s enjoyment is cashing in on a revenue stream to the detriment of punters who might decide not to return.
Or perhaps have ‘quiet’ evenings (similar to quiet’ train carriages) when those who do not want abhorrent accompaniments to the planned programme can choose to go. That way everyone will be satisfied, the aesthetes and the munchers.
I WAS AWAKE FOR MY OPERATION!
(Sun 04/03)
Me and Sir Jimmy Savile
(Thu 03/11)
What not to wear!!!
(Wed 15/06)
Rwandan adventure Our sponsored child
(Mon 06/06)
Rwandan Adventure - Lunch Was Alive!
(Mon 23/05)
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