Ex-Street star Hayley sworn at on stage by audience member
FORMER Coronation Street star Hayley Tamaddon has reminded people of the ‘rules of theatre etiquette’ after an audience member swore at her on stage. Hayley, who played Andra Beckett in Corrie, was stunned when a woman was so immersed in the story she swore at her during a serious scene in the musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.
Hayley has received a raft of support after tweeting about the experience at the Apollo Theatre in London and the subject also sparked debate among theatre-goers and fellow actors.
She said: “To the lady in the audience who shouted at me during a very serious scene last night. Whilst I’m so grateful that you believed in my character - I’d like to remind you, you were in a theatre, not watching tv.
“Please respect the actors and the audience. With kindness.”
Hayley also posted ‘Rules of Theatre Etiquette’ including “while it is appropriate to respond to funny, shocking or entertaining moments out loud, you should respect others around you and the enjoyment of the play by not responding with loud, inappropriate reactions.”
Fellow actress Lou Mathews replied to say she disagrees and believes they need to “adapt and grow”, saying: “I was kicked by a male audience and told “do something” in an immersive show. I didn’t think about etiquette.
“I was amazed at how real he found it. Etiquette needs to go, not audience members. This pedestal of ‘It’s theatre darling’ is killing attendance. We need to adapt and grow.”
But Coronation Street actress Sally Ann Matthews, who plays Jenny Connor, said: “Etiquette absolutely needs to stay! Theatre is an event but it’s not scary, it’s not elitist.
“Good theatre is when you sit down, are told a story and go home thinking about it. Please support your local theatre else they’ll be gone.”
Amanda Cooke said: “Talking as an audience member I do not want to hear profanities shouted, never mind how it may distract the artists on stage it would take away from my viewing pleasure!
“Audience participation where appropriate can be great but swearing is never appropriate.”
Ian Johnson said: “No one should be sworn at either on stage or at stage door even. We as an audience pay to see a show and etiquette in theatre should be upheld at all times.”
And Bethan said: “People acting like theatre etiquette is hard to follow baffle me. It’s literally behave yourself and turn your phone off nothing elitist about it. You’re expected to do this in many other areas of life too.”