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Original poster

Standing ovation in a theatre

88 replies

Ginburee · 21/08/2025 03:39

Last night I went with a friend on a very very rare night to the theatre (2:22).
I have wanted to go for ages and thoroughly enjoyed it.
I am plus size and have rather a sore tail bone after a slightly enthusiastic waterside incident with the smalls last week.
In an old theatre sitting at the back of the smalls with a big guy in front of me so I had to lean made it quite painful.
As soon as the lights came on about 3/4 of the audience stood to clap- is this really necessary as I couldn't stand due to discomfort and people pushing past and I couldn't see the cast at all.
When did this beco.e a thing?

OP posts:
hellotojason · 21/08/2025 06:31

Like others I agree it's become a thing to stand for every single production going, I love to do a standing ovation when I'm absolutely compelled to because the production was outstanding it brings me to my feet but am very crotchety and grumpy and say sat down normally whilst everyone is on their feet for most productions. Standing seems to be the new clapping...

taxidriver · 21/08/2025 06:31

perhaps the audience think it was exceptional
i very much enjoyed the last thing i saw in the West End
i rarely go

GCAcademic · 21/08/2025 06:29

Standing ovations are not new, but were previously given at exceptional productions. What is new is that they happen all the time now. And not just for musicals or celebrity casting. Ive seen them at pretty much every mediocre production Ive seen in the last couple of years.

Scabz · 21/08/2025 06:26

I'm convinced it's all the tall people who are dying to stretch their legs. I always join in

EggandStress · 21/08/2025 06:19

I think it’s become much more common recently. Almost every performance I’ve been to in the last few years has had an element of standing ovation, not necessarily the whole audience. I agree that it tends to be in West End productions.

I find it annoying. I’m happy to stand if it’s outstanding but not just for a standard performance. I think it’s becoming’a thing’ and audiences think you have to stand.

HoppingPavlova · 21/08/2025 05:57

It’s nothing new if something is exceptional. I go often and have done for decades and it’s always been the case for (I would estimate) 10%-20% of shows.

Zanatdy · 21/08/2025 05:54

I often stand to applaud a particularly good performance. I’ve been going to the theatre for years and it’s always happened.

clotheslinefiasco · 21/08/2025 05:52

Yeah - it was always 'a thing'. Not anything new at all.

A standing ovation !! Hoorah!

Enrichetta · 21/08/2025 05:03

Unfortunately it has become a very prevalent nuisance.

Along with peeps who can’t survive until the interval without drinks, chocolates, popcorn, water bottles……. Not to mention checking their bloody phones… 😡

Libellousness · 21/08/2025 05:02

It’s become very common - pretty much every West End musical plus plays with a celebrity casting. IMO it should only be for truly exceptional theatre. While I’m fully able-bodied and can stand fine, I get annoyed when people start standing up for a production that definitely isn’t a 5 star show, and I generally stay seated, accepting that means I won’t see the bows.

AbzMoz · 21/08/2025 04:54

It’s now a v common thing. Perhaps moreso in west end type shows (with a singalong!) but have also seen it across the board in genre, style and scale of theatre.

GCAcademic · 21/08/2025 04:29

This is definitely a thing now. Seems to have started in the last few years.

SadTimesInFife · 21/08/2025 03:43

Sorry that you are in pain. That's sound awful.
Were they excitable Americans? Or was there a celebrity on stage? Both generate exuberance.
Orherwise...not seen it.
Was it a good show, otherwise?