Seriously who takes babies to the theatre?!

[EL8888]

Went to the theatre last night, 2 babies and their mothers were there. Cue a fair amount of noise throughout. It’s not a mother and baby group?!! People are trying to enjoy and concentrate. Don’t worry l checked and it wasn’t a “baby / children showing” or something like that. Some people are so self absorbed and entitled

I probably shouldn’t write this in AIBU. Because l really don’t think l am! My partner and the woman sat next to me who l don’t know were unhappy as well 😡

Nope i wouldn't be happy either and I have 4 young kids. I wouldn't dream of taking a baby there. It's selfish. Your definitely not being unreasonable.

The theatre is at fault for admitting them. If the theatre allow it, people will do it. All you can do is complain about the noise but I don't think yabu

Depends what your seeing. I have taken a bf baby to see a pantomime.

If it's a children's show fine but if not, not fine. I guess theatres might fall foul of the law if they don't admit breastfeeding women?
I would complain by email to the theatre and request tickets to see the show again due to the disruption.

@EL8888 I agree. Can't see the point in taking any child under 3. They can rarely enjoy it, and it spoils it for everyone else when the little feckers wail and whine all the way though the show!!!

Shouldn't be allowed to attend IMO.

Panto is accepted family viewing tho, of course its fine then

A lot of people seem to struggle to realise there are some limitations to what you can reasonably do when you have a baby - and that a lot of people may have formed out for babysitters for a much needed child free night out. It’s often ‘me/I want/sod everyone else’ nowadays.

DH and I went to a Russell Brand stand-up gig in a naice market town a few years ago and there were not one but two babies in the audience. He had a thing or two to say about it 😆.

What show was it?

Ridiculous whatever it was though
What goes through some people’s heads?

I wouldn't have been able to relax and enjoy, let alone anyone else.

Maybe they have someone they know well in the production, would be a good reason.

I’d complain to the theatre they shouldn’t have been admitted. I’d want a refund.

Bonkers, assuming it wasn't Peppa Pig or something. A show for anyone older than pre-school children and it's nuts.

The same idiots that take babies to the pictures when it’s an adult film. Totally inconsiderate. It would be a completely different thing if the theatre show or film was for little ones.

I'd have demanded that they be removed - at the time.
Now, I'd insist on a refund.

Most theatres dont allow children under a certain age for health / safety reasons and it's pretty strictly imposed. It's perfectly fine to bad even breastfed babies just not ok to allow babies and ban breastfeeding. I think you were very unlucky and I might have complained if they caused any issues. It dont think it's fair or normal.

The sort of people of think having a baby won’t change them or their lives

Babies shouldn’t even be allowed in if it’s not a children’s show/panto.

They almost without exception spoil it for others.

Oh what? babies can go?! I'm planning on going with my 7 year old soon and leaving my 3yo with Grandma. He can't sit still and quiet for that long without acting like he has ants in his pants and very important information he suddenly has to loudly share (usually a made up story involving a train and an animal).

It's expensive and I'd be annoyed if people had small children there who were spoiling it (not their fault) and weren't removing them. I know SOME small kids are quiet and chilled out and that's fine, but if yours isn't you don't take them somewhere like this, it's really selfish and unfair.

They normally specify 'no children under 3' which theatre were you at?

Was it a show for families although not specifically termed a special children's showing? That's the only time I've seen children and babies at the theatre.

The type of people who would run to the Daily Mail the following day saying they were breast feeding and so needed to take baby in but were turned away. Breastfeeding mums complaining is always a good headline.

Unless it’s a show aimed at young children then babies should not be in a theatre! It’s not fair on everyone else including the performers.

Obviously they’re selfish fuckers if they’re taking babies to non-children’s shows. And the theatre are at fault as well for allowing them in

What type of show was this and where was it? It’s unusual for a theatre to allow this.

I used to take my very easy baby to concerts, cinema and theatre . She never fussed and it never crossed my mind that I couldn't make that decision and know that she wouldn't inconvenience people. I have 2 other children and there is no way I would have taken them. DS1 cried a lot and DS2 was just very cheerful and would have nattered throughout. I have taken my children to weddings, smart restaurants and hotels but never been embarrassed by them or obtuse to the fellow diners or whatever's comforts. Parents who allow their children to inconvenience others drive me mad but some children are genuinely trouble free in social situations and their parents thoughtful and mindful of their neighbours.

What show and what theatre was this? I work in theatre and go to shows all the time and I have NEVER seen a baby at an evening performance for adults.

Years ago we went to see a screening of Pearl Harbour in Boston USA, before it was shown in the UK.
A couple came in with a baby. I can only imagine what that poor child felt like having to endure the aircraft and bombing noises which were terrific