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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:
screamtoabloodysigh · 05/07/2026 13:26

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:21

If it's so obvious could you name them please.

Which disabled people aren't allowed to be somewhere they will disturb others?

People who make noise somewhere where, traditionally, one would expect quiet.

This also applies to people who can't stfu and keep asking what's happening.

People who loudly critique the acting.

People who eat crisps and sweets in crinkly wrappers.

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:26

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:20

But the person having a fit would be disrupting the show for everyone too.

Just trying to get which disabled people are allowed out to places and which aren't.

I’ve actually been to a gig where someone had a seizure. The concert was paused until the person could be attended to (they were taken away by paramedics) then restarted when the disruption had ended. Perhaps that would be your preferred solution here too?

OP posts:
aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 13:25

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:25

Oh I can read, I just wanted you to clarify that you consider the behaviour of disabled people to be 'acting up'.

Sometimes, yes.

Campingintherain2024 · 05/07/2026 13:25

You're not wrong OP. Inclusivity is great where possible but it isn't in every situation. In a theatre, for most shows, you need to be quiet. If you can't then I don't think its the place for you. Unfortunately there will always be activities that aren't fully inclusive, that is okay.

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:25

aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 13:24

The behaviour is acting up, again (as I already said) that is not just for disabled people but others who may behave in an unacceptable manner. Can you read or are you deliberately being obtuse?

Oh I can read, I just wanted you to clarify that you consider the behaviour of disabled people to be 'acting up'.

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:24

ToffeePennie · 05/07/2026 13:22

I perform in Am-drams, 2 shows a year. Last year we did a show in a raked theatre: for those that don’t know, this is a type of theatre where the seats start at stage level and graduate upwards. We use white spike tape to denote “stage” from audience leg space and they do not mix.
A disabled person, presumably with some sort of learning disorder was seated stage right, directly where there is a large pre-set throne and small table. This person had decided to use the table and dragged it across to his seat, and put drinks and snacks on it.
This was frustrating and 3 times we had false starts, with our stage crew having to remove the stuff off the table and drag it back.
Towards the end of the show, my job was to carry a fully loaded tray, turn sharply on one heel and then stand behind the throne, putting the tray on the table. Once again the table was missing, he had stuffed it NEXT to him, so it was actually up the raked steps.
Not only that, he had spilt sweets over the corner of the floor so when I went to turn, I wobbled on my heels and ended up throwing half the tray over the floor. Luckily, someone playing a “servant” saw what had happened and appeared with a broom and refilled my water glass, before the “king” actress came on stage.
He had been loud and screamed during the performance several times, laughed when something really horrific happened to our lead character and was generally disruptive, but just lack of etiquette from both him and the person he was sat with was beyond deplorable. I wouldn’t have minded if it were an autism friendly show, or if it had been “expected” that we had learning disability that close, but I only got informed about the table moving after the show, and therefore I had no idea that he had become obsessed with one of our set pieces.
incredibly frustrating on the actors behalf.

Thank you for sharing the perspective from a performer! I can completely understand how difficult this was and how stressful it must have been!

OP posts:
aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 13:24

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:23

Being disabled = 'acting up'?

The behaviour is acting up, again (as I already said) that is not just for disabled people but others who may behave in an unacceptable manner. Can you read or are you deliberately being obtuse?

aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 13:23

ToffeePennie · 05/07/2026 13:22

I perform in Am-drams, 2 shows a year. Last year we did a show in a raked theatre: for those that don’t know, this is a type of theatre where the seats start at stage level and graduate upwards. We use white spike tape to denote “stage” from audience leg space and they do not mix.
A disabled person, presumably with some sort of learning disorder was seated stage right, directly where there is a large pre-set throne and small table. This person had decided to use the table and dragged it across to his seat, and put drinks and snacks on it.
This was frustrating and 3 times we had false starts, with our stage crew having to remove the stuff off the table and drag it back.
Towards the end of the show, my job was to carry a fully loaded tray, turn sharply on one heel and then stand behind the throne, putting the tray on the table. Once again the table was missing, he had stuffed it NEXT to him, so it was actually up the raked steps.
Not only that, he had spilt sweets over the corner of the floor so when I went to turn, I wobbled on my heels and ended up throwing half the tray over the floor. Luckily, someone playing a “servant” saw what had happened and appeared with a broom and refilled my water glass, before the “king” actress came on stage.
He had been loud and screamed during the performance several times, laughed when something really horrific happened to our lead character and was generally disruptive, but just lack of etiquette from both him and the person he was sat with was beyond deplorable. I wouldn’t have minded if it were an autism friendly show, or if it had been “expected” that we had learning disability that close, but I only got informed about the table moving after the show, and therefore I had no idea that he had become obsessed with one of our set pieces.
incredibly frustrating on the actors behalf.

Really sorry that happened to you, it’s so frustrating when people work hard and it is ruined by others. That persons carers should be ashamed of themselves.

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:23

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

I think your extreme exaggeration doesn’t help the conversation at all.

As a mother, would you not be upset if your two sons were unable to stay at a performance due to sensory overload due to constant shouting?

I appreciate that your role as a parent is always to advocate for your children and to want the best world possible for them, but I think you must also surely know that not every situation in the world is suitable for everyone?

At no point did I suggest anyone should be “locked away” just that everyone should have an awareness for others and understand that some situations can’t be catered to one individual for the detriment for others.

The fact that you retort to insults shows a lot about you. I won’t be asking for anything to be deleted as everyone is entitled to an opinion, even if they are incredibly rude about it!

OP posts:
WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:23

aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 13:22

Everyone is welcome but if they start to act up and disrupt others then they need to leave. Whether that be disabled people, babies, young children, drunk adults or just downright rude people. It’s really that simple.

Being disabled = 'acting up'?

ToffeePennie · 05/07/2026 13:22

I perform in Am-drams, 2 shows a year. Last year we did a show in a raked theatre: for those that don’t know, this is a type of theatre where the seats start at stage level and graduate upwards. We use white spike tape to denote “stage” from audience leg space and they do not mix.
A disabled person, presumably with some sort of learning disorder was seated stage right, directly where there is a large pre-set throne and small table. This person had decided to use the table and dragged it across to his seat, and put drinks and snacks on it.
This was frustrating and 3 times we had false starts, with our stage crew having to remove the stuff off the table and drag it back.
Towards the end of the show, my job was to carry a fully loaded tray, turn sharply on one heel and then stand behind the throne, putting the tray on the table. Once again the table was missing, he had stuffed it NEXT to him, so it was actually up the raked steps.
Not only that, he had spilt sweets over the corner of the floor so when I went to turn, I wobbled on my heels and ended up throwing half the tray over the floor. Luckily, someone playing a “servant” saw what had happened and appeared with a broom and refilled my water glass, before the “king” actress came on stage.
He had been loud and screamed during the performance several times, laughed when something really horrific happened to our lead character and was generally disruptive, but just lack of etiquette from both him and the person he was sat with was beyond deplorable. I wouldn’t have minded if it were an autism friendly show, or if it had been “expected” that we had learning disability that close, but I only got informed about the table moving after the show, and therefore I had no idea that he had become obsessed with one of our set pieces.
incredibly frustrating on the actors behalf.

aliceyyyy2654 · 05/07/2026 13:22

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:20

But the person having a fit would be disrupting the show for everyone too.

Just trying to get which disabled people are allowed out to places and which aren't.

Everyone is welcome but if they start to act up and disrupt others then they need to leave. Whether that be disabled people, babies, young children, drunk adults or just downright rude people. It’s really that simple.

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:21

StrangeGree · 05/07/2026 13:20

Read the thread. It’s obvious.

If it's so obvious could you name them please.

Which disabled people aren't allowed to be somewhere they will disturb others?

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:20

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:15

To use your examples, a person having a seizure would clearly leave the show or would be taken to receive medical treatment etc. and if a person with allergies was next to a service dog then they would 100% ask to be moved so they could enjoy the show as much as the person with the disability 🤷🏻‍♀️

But the person having a fit would be disrupting the show for everyone too.

Just trying to get which disabled people are allowed out to places and which aren't.

StrangeGree · 05/07/2026 13:20

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:18

I have stated my case, I was just curious as to how far the segregation should go.

What are the acceptable and unacceptable disabilities?

Read the thread. It’s obvious.

Sassylovesbooks · 05/07/2026 13:20

If this person isn't able to control their voice or movements, then the theatre isn't the right place for them. Absolutely not the person's fault, because they can't help how they are, but it is the fault of the people with that person, regardless if family or carers.

One person can't trump the enjoyment of the 100's of others also attending the performance and paid money.

StrangeGree · 05/07/2026 13:19

BlackCat14 · 05/07/2026 13:13

I get it. I went to see Derren Brown a few years ago and there was a guy making lots of noises throughout. Derren had to stop the show and ask them to leave as he couldn’t concentrate and it was messing things up.
I’ve also experienced it at a musical. Similar sort of thing, lots of noise. There was a really poignant, silent suicide scene and the atmosphere was ruined.

Blimey. How incredibly disruptive. Talk about obtuse! Heres a great example of why theatres need to make it clear who the show is appropriate for. The theatre is for people who can sit quietly. DuH!

Namechangeforthisdilemma1 · 05/07/2026 13:19

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:13

I appreciate people suggesting a refund, but as it was a gift it wouldn’t be me who got the refund anyway! I also don’t really think that’s the point, I was really looking forward to a show I probably won’t get much chance to see again, so money back wouldn’t really help :/

Money back may help you to travel back to see it?

Whaleandsnail6 · 05/07/2026 13:19

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:13

I appreciate people suggesting a refund, but as it was a gift it wouldn’t be me who got the refund anyway! I also don’t really think that’s the point, I was really looking forward to a show I probably won’t get much chance to see again, so money back wouldn’t really help :/

I agree with this point

A refund is little comfort if this is a once in a lifetime thing for you to see this event, you travelled specifically for it and it was ruined. Yeah, you get your money back (or the person who bought the gift does) but your long awaited for experience was ruined. Thats a huge disappointment.

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:18

StrangeGree · 05/07/2026 13:15

Your responses are histrionic. Try to state your case without resorting to hyperbole and you’ll see you don’t have a case, which is why you’re being histrionic instead.

I have stated my case, I was just curious as to how far the segregation should go.

What are the acceptable and unacceptable disabilities?

dapsnotplimsolls · 05/07/2026 13:18

YANBU. Anyone who is likely to involuntarily make a lot of noise during a show shouldn't be at a non-relaxed performance. I'd try to get a refund and spend it on a treat - meal at a posh restaurant etc.

somanychristmaslights · 05/07/2026 13:18

WillThingsEverBeFergaliciousAgain · 05/07/2026 13:08

There's no shame in asking for disabled people to be removed from places if they bother you?

What if someone who knows they have epilepsy has a fit in front of you and requires medical attention? Would you be pissed off with them for daring to set foot out of the house too? Someone with a service dog shouldn't be allowed anywhere in case someone else has allergies? Someone in a wheelchair in case they are too slow for you? Where does it end if you're advocating for that?

But where does it end the opposite way too? How much noise in this example would be acceptable before the person should be removed?

shouldwejust · 05/07/2026 13:17

StandingDeskDisco · 05/07/2026 13:08

Maybe we should just lock away
daft exaggeration weakens your argument

all people with disabilities
You can't lump together all disabilities. Each one, for each person, is different.

so we don’t ruin the enjoyment of people lucky enough to be born without any?
If a person's disability means they make loud and disruptive noises throughout a theatre performance, they are not just ruining it for non-disabled people, they are also ruining it for people with various other disabilities, such as wheelchair users who don't have a learning disability, blind or partially sighted people who rely on listening more, partially deaf people who can't cope with ongoing background noises, people with autism who can't cope with sudden loud noises, etc. etc.

Someone who makes continual loud noises should not be in a standard theatre performance. It really is that simple.

Thank you for this, it clearly wasn’t just me who was bothered as as you point out it would disrupt others with different disabilities too. So why is inclusivity the benefit of one person to the detriment of all others?

OP posts:
IsEveryUserNameBloodyTaken · 05/07/2026 13:16

This reply has been deleted

Message deleted by MNHQ. Here's a link to our Talk Guidelines.

My neighbour and friend has a severely disabled autistic son who is 22.
She is an excellent parent.
Difference is between her and you, she knows what is appropriate for all concerned and what is and isn’t acceptable for all concerned, not just her son.
Perhaps it’s not everyone else who is awful, as you have stated on here.
It would help if you checked your attitude.

LocalHobo · 05/07/2026 13:16

then it is on all of us to request more of these performances, surely? Potentially, if audience members request refunds, theatres will be keener than ever to offer relaxed performances.
Having said that, I love a weekday matinee and at my local theatre it is hard to find one of those that is'nt a production with adaptations for people with "learning disabilities or autism( heightened house lights, lower sound volumes, and dedicated chill-out/quiet spaces) and chilled performances for those with dementia or neurodiverse needs, as well as babes in arms"
or BSL interpreted. So far each of these I have attended have still been most enjoyable.
Are you sure you didn't inadvertently book an adapted production?