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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To be annoyed at disruption in a theatre show?

746 replies

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 12:08

I appreciate that this is a nuanced topic, and that there possibly isn’t a right answer.

Recently I went to watch a show in the theatre that I had been looking forward to for months. The tickets were my birthday present and something I can’t usually afford, so definitely a one off treat.

Throughout the whole show, a man who had severe disabilities was shouting out and yelling. He didn’t stop at all and continuously made very loud and disruptive noises.

It completely took me out of the show, meant I struggled to concentrate and was just annoyed!

I fully appreciate that everyone in society has a right to enjoy things, and perhaps this man was looking forward to the show just as much as me! But, I don’t think that it’s fair that he disrupted the show for the entire rest of the audience who had also paid a lot to be there.

I don’t know what the solution is to be perfectly honest. That his carer removed him when he was being disruptive? That he attended one of the “autism friendly” screenings that are expected to have more disruption?

When I said this to my partner he was shocked and said that basically we should just accept that our show was ruined for his enjoyment, as that is being inclusive. I don’t feel that inclusivity should come at the cost of everyone else?

I appreciate that I may be told I am being unreasonable here but I’d like to hear other people’s opinions here

OP posts:
Waviar · 05/07/2026 20:56

Weemammy21 · 05/07/2026 20:09

A need for who? For the disabled person or, as it sounds from this thread, for the comfort of the non disabled? We are fine going to mainstream theatre shows and if you or anyone else has an issue with that then that's your problem not ours

Maybe we should be campaigning for theatres to start silent/quiet performances then for autistic people like me who just cannot major noise and disruption. I wouldn’t care if the tickets cost more or there was only one performance every few months on a Monday. I would make it work. I actually might look into how to start requesting those types of shows. No idea how do it but I’ll definitely look into it.

hopspot · 05/07/2026 20:54

BringBackCatsEyes · 05/07/2026 20:31

And I bet you have already asked the parents/carers to not allow their pre-schoolers and babies to spoil the show for others, no?
Are they asked to leave?

We do ask for alternative childcare if possible. If not they are asked to take them out to settle them before returning.

SENsupportplease · 05/07/2026 20:54

Weemammy21 · 05/07/2026 20:09

A need for who? For the disabled person or, as it sounds from this thread, for the comfort of the non disabled? We are fine going to mainstream theatre shows and if you or anyone else has an issue with that then that's your problem not ours

And I disagree

If someone can’t help but shout throughout a theatre show, they aren’t fine. Even if it doesn’t bother them, it isn’t “fine”.

Not all environments are suitable for all, and that’s where accessibility comes in.

Relaxed shows for people like in the OP

maybe hopefully quiet shows for people like me

SENsupportplease · 05/07/2026 20:52

Weemammy21 · 05/07/2026 20:09

A need for who? For the disabled person or, as it sounds from this thread, for the comfort of the non disabled? We are fine going to mainstream theatre shows and if you or anyone else has an issue with that then that's your problem not ours

Well as a disabled person who has needs that are contra indicative from the disabled person described in the OP, both?

id love accessible sessions where no additional noise was allowed. That would be for my comfort, but im disabled…

I don’t really understand your reply to me to be honest. It sounds like you think there are loud disabled people and ALL OTHERS

Ignoring any nuance

BringBackCatsEyes · 05/07/2026 20:31

hopspot · 05/07/2026 20:27

Is it only about money? I’ve put on nativity plays that have been ruined by toddlers or babies screaming throughout.

And I bet you have already asked the parents/carers to not allow their pre-schoolers and babies to spoil the show for others, no?
Are they asked to leave?

hopspot · 05/07/2026 20:27

Is it only about money? I’ve put on nativity plays that have been ruined by toddlers or babies screaming throughout.

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 20:26

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 20:14

Thankfully the law doesn't see it quite like that.

Perhaps it should be changed

Macaroni46 · 05/07/2026 20:25

SmudgeButt · 05/07/2026 19:17

While we're at it why don't we ban "normal" people who fidget, eat sweets, sneeze, whisper to each other? Eight months pregnant and need to get to the loo urgently? No, I'm sorry that would inconvenience others.

It’s not in the same league and you know it. Arguing for arguing’s sake.
Fidgeting, the odd sneeze, going to the loo once or twice is not the same as constant loud shouting throughout a performance.

Hotandpointy · 05/07/2026 20:24

I went to a performance yesterday and someone’s bloody toddler was talking and/or crying through most of it. Everyone was looking, including some members of the show who were desperately trying to ignore it. It wasn’t a kids show either, why the hell wouldn’t you just leave if your kid was disturbing everyone? So bloody rude! Angry

Overworkedandknackered · 05/07/2026 20:23

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 20:14

Thankfully the law doesn't see it quite like that.

My feeling is that if it went to court it probably would be reasonable to ask someone to leave who was significantly disrupting a show, especially if the theatre then had to issue refunds or found bookings for future shows dropped because people don’t want to risk spending £200 a ticket on something that might not be able to enjoy. However the theatres probably don’t want to be the one to test it and spend the money getting to court.

Unfortunately you can’t rely on people using common sense and booking a relaxed performance show or deciding to self select out, so my plan is to book shows that don’t appeal to people who don’t usually go to the theatre, the performances tend to be far less disrupted, it means most musicals are out for me now, which is a shame.

marle131 · 05/07/2026 20:16

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 20:12

I still wonder why this person even went to the theatre

You do realise people can be non verbal or have verbal stims or have a learning disability and still enjoy the arts right? And think for themselves and have passions?

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 20:14

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 20:06

There was a person screaming their head off. The kind of thing that puts a dent in a play.

I think we should exclude disruptive people from places where they disrupt others and cause a nuisance.

Thankfully the law doesn't see it quite like that.

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 20:12

I still wonder why this person even went to the theatre

Weemammy21 · 05/07/2026 20:09

SENsupportplease · 05/07/2026 18:38

Isn’t the point though that everyone should be advocating for more relaxed performances though? There is clearly a need and demand.

It won’t be good for theatres if they are having to give refunds for disrupted shows

A need for who? For the disabled person or, as it sounds from this thread, for the comfort of the non disabled? We are fine going to mainstream theatre shows and if you or anyone else has an issue with that then that's your problem not ours

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 20:06

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 19:52

Well the play carried on and op didn't complain to anyone who could do anything so how was the staff supposed to know it was a negative experience for anyone else.

I personally don't think excluding disabled people is the right thing to do, there's a lot can be done that doesn't involve excluding folk.

There was a person screaming their head off. The kind of thing that puts a dent in a play.

I think we should exclude disruptive people from places where they disrupt others and cause a nuisance.

Mischance · 05/07/2026 19:54

This conversation is very worrying to someone like me (disabled) who actually cares about other people and recognises that they too have needs.

I hope that people do not take away the conclusion that all disabled people are so selfish.

I see people around me who are helpful and considerate so I hope I can be the same with them.

There is no way that I would knowingly allow my disability to interfere with the enjoyment of others both disabled and not.

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 19:52

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 19:19

If their behaviour negatively impacts the experience and enjoyment of others. They cause issues so right to exclude them.

Well the play carried on and op didn't complain to anyone who could do anything so how was the staff supposed to know it was a negative experience for anyone else.

I personally don't think excluding disabled people is the right thing to do, there's a lot can be done that doesn't involve excluding folk.

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 19:48

HumberSquid · 05/07/2026 19:17

And so? Certain behaviours are not suitable for certain settings.

Certain settings should be more accessible and inclusive then.

MaturingCheeseball · 05/07/2026 19:47

Those citing disability rights: someone mentioned Wimbledon. Would you think it acceptable to make a noise during a match if a disability were involved? Or snooker? A “talking” sort of play? A piano recital?

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 19:47

aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 19:11

Whether they can help it or not has no bearing here. A baby cannot help crying yet it’s not acceptable for them to be in a theatre screaming their heads off and annoying paying guests.

Do you know many babies that want to see a particular show?

Kirbert2 · 05/07/2026 19:43

SENsupportplease · 05/07/2026 19:37

I might ask at our equally shit local club though because if they could accommodate in some way, maybe he would be thrilled regardless of who is playing,

worth an ask

It's definitely worth a go, especially if like you said, it wouldn't matter to him who is playing.

The local clubs tend to be very inclusive in my experience.

SENsupportplease · 05/07/2026 19:39

Campingintherain2024 · 05/07/2026 18:56

Erik Weihenmayer summited Everest in 2001. I think he lost his sight as a teenager. He had a team of 19 people I believe. There is a good documentary called "touch the top of the world" if you are interested. Sorry I know this is a little off topic but its something I'm interested in.

No this sounds amazing, I like Everest stuff though my experiences is limited to reading Jon Krakauer, will defo give this a watch

SENsupportplease · 05/07/2026 19:37

Kirbert2 · 05/07/2026 18:39

Ah yeah, that makes sense. My local club is league 1 and pretty shit so I imagine it is easier to accommodate because the demand isn't as high.

I might ask at our equally shit local club though because if they could accommodate in some way, maybe he would be thrilled regardless of who is playing,

worth an ask

aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 19:37

OP please don’t worry about those calling you ‘ableist’. Over 1700 people agree with you. If it happens again please do complain there and then and push to get that person removed regardless of the reason for their disruption. It shouldn’t be tolerated.

BootsOnAshes · 05/07/2026 19:19

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 19:07

Behaviour they can't help due to their disability.

If their behaviour negatively impacts the experience and enjoyment of others. They cause issues so right to exclude them.

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