You can probably guess from the headline what the Tameside Radio presenter's latest column is all about...

I’ve seen a few stories lately about rowdy audiences in the theatre, and wonder if you’ve experienced it yourself. 

For me, when you go and see a live show, it’s the perfect chance to switch your phone off, and also switch off from the stresses of the world. The same goes for plays, live gigs, and cinema.

For years, I’ve wondered if anyone ever watches back the wobbly footage they film on their iPhones during gigs, and applaud any artists who insist on mobile phones being turned off as part of their entry requirements. 

Barring medical staff being on call, I can’t really think of a good reason for you to keep your phone on, and it just spoils the experience for everyone else. Or am I behind the times, and turning into Victor Meldrew, slowly but surely?

I’d love to hear your experiences, but I’m increasingly noticing people scrolling through social media at the cinema. Cineworld always run a trailer about keeping your phone off, and rival chain Vue have even made a really good short film about the joys of watching a movie without all of life’s distractions. Sadly, those it’s aimed at probably don’t notice, as they are updating their Twitter or TikTok at the time.

Aside from technology grumbles, have audiences lost their fear of talking during performances? 

I read a story about a Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers tribute show in Kent that had to be stopped several times, and the police called, after a rowdy group of about 15 audience members started kicking off and became ‘extremely aggressive.’ 

I’d have thought the lilting harmonies on Islands In The Stream might have provided calming balm for their souls, but it seems they are only well behaved from 9 to 5. I’ll see myself out. Joking aside, is part of the problem that people have been locked down for too long, and have simply forgotten the etiquette of keeping quiet? 

I am not a complete grouch, and accept that if you attend, for example, a Frozen Singalong, you are perfectly entitled to belt out Let It Go at the highest volume you desire. However, when I’ve paid good money to see a band like OMD live, I’d rather hear them tackle the chorus of Enola Gay than your shower style rendition, thanks all the same. Some seem to go on a huge drinking session and then attend the theatre, which creates problems of its own, since the first thing alcohol does is lower your inhibitions.

Streaming services got much of our attention in 2020, almost two years ago when the whole of the UK was seemingly watching Tiger King on Netflix, and their subscriber numbers soared. 

Binge watching Bridgerton and catching one of Marvel’s latest superhero flicks was hugely popular. 

However great it is to see venues attracting good audiences again, do we need a collective reminder of our manners? Singer Beverley Knight took to Twitter to moan about a couple of lively fans who had to be evicted from her gig, and said ‘people come to the theatre to be entertained, not to endure your foolishness”. It seems the people concerned were more interested in the bar than the action on stage.

There were also reports of someone lighting up in the stalls at a Bob Marley jukebox musical, and no I don’t mean a cigarette or scented candle. Talk about life imitating art!

I’m not being curmudegonly (I hope), but do we really need so much food at cinemas and theatres? I know it helps their profits, but nachos are the worst idea ever at a quiet movie. 

The smell of a hot dog is only nice up your nostrils when it’s one you’re midway through imbibing. And popcorn may be a little quieter, but doesn’t half make a mess. How about we tone that down a bit too? Or am I just being grumpy? I know the theatre is not a library, but I don’t want to hear a tinny ringtone during an emotional scene, thanks. Ssshhh!

You can listen to Alex every weekday from 7am to 11am and on the 'Super Scoreboard' show on Saturdays from 3pm to 7pm, on Tameside Radio 103.6FM. 

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