Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Row over baby at theatre
Bosses at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury have rushed to defend parents who took a baby to see the We Will Rock You musical at the weekend. They reacted following a complaint by another theatre-goer who said she and her party were “put off” by the noises being made by the young child a few rows in front.
“Who in their right mind would take a young baby to a show without consideration for other people?” said the 54-yearold from Deal, who did not want to named.
“I don’t want to be single-minded or to be seen as acting childish, but we paid good money to see this fantastic show.”
The couple with the child left the theatre halfway through the performance.
But now the Marlowe Theatre has stepped in to back the parents, and the stage manager for the production has even offered them tickets to see the Queenthemed show again at another venue.
Theatre spokeswoman Sarah Munday said: “We believe parents and carers have the right to decide whether to bring children to shows and offer a limited number of free lap tickets for those under 18 months. “Some shows have age recommendations - We Will Rock You wasn’t one of these - but this is purely for advice.
“Our staff always monitor audience behaviour and will step in if they feel behaviour is inappropriate.
“They were aware of the baby on Saturday evening, which made no – or very little – noise, but the parents left of their own accord.
“We are in contact with the customer who made the complaint.”
We Will Rock You stage manager Paul Duffy added: “Theatre is open to all I feel and I am so proud of my show and team that help create the magic for everyone to have memories of such a awesome bands music.” Mr Duffy is inviting the couple with the baby to get in touch with him through the Gazette by calling 01227 475915.