People urged not to attend if ‘under the influence’
ATHEATRE has apologised after audience members’ nights were ‘ruined’ by the behaviour of a number of ‘drunken’ guests.
The Bacup Royal Court Theatre issued a warning after ‘verbal abuse from the audience’ saw several theatre-goers forcibly removed at performance.
The theatre had to remind people to ‘ respect your local theatre’ and to not attend if they are ‘under the influence of excessive drink or other substances’. a
They added that they will ‘not tolerate an evening being ruined by a minority.’
The message from the directors, which was shared on the theatre’s Facebook page, reads: “We would like to apologise to anyone whose enjoyment was spoilt last night by the actions of a few people in the audience.
“We are a community run theatre with everyone being a volunteer and we will not tolerate verbal or physical abuse towards people in the theatre whether an audience member or a member of staff and will remove people as necessary.
“We would like to ask people to respect your local theatre and not to attend if you are under the influence of excessive drink or other substances.
“As per all theatres and our terms and conditions we retain the right to refuse admission to people who we consider to be under the influence, and also the right to search bags on the way into the venue.
“Generally we do not have to implement these measures but will have no hesitation if we feel it is necessary.
“We work hard to keep the venue open as we think it is of a benefit to you all, and will not tolerate an evening being ruined by a minority.”
Despite the interruption to the show, audience members praised the staff for their handling of the situation and slammed the ‘shameful’ behaviour of the offending guests.’
One commented: “We attended last night and had the “pleasure” of being sat right next to where they stood.
“You handled it well and the second half of the show was very enjoyable! “Thank you!”
Another added: “Well done for evicting such people who have no respect for the team, performers or audience members. Shameful behaviour, rightfully not tolerated.”