Just sit down. It’s not *that* good

[InformEducateEntertain]

I live in London. I go ‘up West’ fairly often and visit the theatre. All sorts. Musicals, one man shows, classics, whatever looks interesting really.

I love going but what really annoys me is the apparently compulsory standing ovation. Most shows are good. Occasionally they are brilliant (seen Kenrex anyone?). But whyowhyohwhy do audiences now stand up and clap? Always.

They never used to.

I’m middle aged and grumpy I know but in the good old days the standing ovation was reserved for the truly outstanding performance (Kenrex springs to mind). Now you are seen as a weirdo if you don’t partake.

AIBU to think the theatre going folk of today have lost it or am I the one with the problem?

Baby ? I thought it was knickers.

I agree, it's tedious. I only stand for truly amazing productions like the National Theatre's The Crucible. I would have also stood for Grenfell but we were already standing due to the interactive nature of the end of the play.

Knickers are for the average.
Hoying a baby is for the National Treasures, like the Ian McKellen or the Stephen Graham types.

What were they??

im with you OP, it also annoys me how the bowing goes on and on and on. 2 bows and off is about right I think, unless it’s a brilliant show.

I don't know.... we went to the ballet a couple of weeks ago. Cinderella. First time for the Dcs and I did not think either of them would enjoy it and was taking a chance on the principle that if they hated it we could always leave. They both LOVED it. They loved the whole thing. DS1 (14) copied some others doing a standing ovation and said to me afterwards 'I was clapping so hard my hands hurt'. For him it was worth a standing ovation. Because the whole experience just felt incredible to him. Was the actual ballet so good objectively? Maybe not. But for him it was extraordinary.

Have you noticed that the encore clap seems to have gone the way of the seated clap? Audiences do not seem to do the slow clap to request an encore any more. I do wonder whether it is as a PP said, that fewer theatre-goers know the etiquette any more.

I really hate the endless curtain calls. Even Hamilton had a comparatively understated curtain call and only had one ‘reappearance’.

completely agree OP
the first time I saw this was quite a few years ago at a youth theatre performance (which I won't name as its so outing)
it was good and all the kids had worked hard
the female lead was very good
BUT- at the end her mum jumped up and started applauding...it was really cringeworthy ....you could see other people thinking 'what's this now???'
but in the end, joining in because it was so embarrassing seeing her there doing it by herself

so now whenever it happens, that's what I remember

Does the knicker type vary by venue or audience member? So, as a 50 something woman who extols comfort over sex appeal, can I chuck big knix or do I have to nip down M&S and up my game?

Should knickers ready for performances at the Donmar Warehouse come from Agent Provocateur but those at the Noël Coward from John Lewis? Where are Rigby and Peller pants suitable for?

But Ian McKellen gets so carried away he’s hoying himself into the audience!

The encore really is just part of the theatre experience and I would feel something was missing without the encore 🤷‍♀️
These talented actors will have trained so bloody hard to get to the West End and deserve the recognition.

Encore yes absolutely (it’s like getting a little extra free bit)

Ovation if not earth shatteringly brilliant.

Still a hard no from me.

It’s not the unwarranted standing ovations that annoy me, but the people who decide to sing along from the audience… if I wanted to go to karaoke, I’d do that, not pay through the nose for tickets to hear professionals!

It was great. Well established long running show. I’ve seen it three times.

People have different opinions regarding what is brilliant though . I have been to many West Ends shows/ ballets and they have all been excellent.

I really fail to see what issue there is with people standing up and clapping. How does it inconvenience you?

Yes. I've definitely been to average productions that didn't deserve the whole audience standing.

Possibly with the cost of living and extremely high prices for theatre tickets, people save up for it and go infrequently, so it really is a near once-in-a-lifetime event for them and they want to show their appreciation? They feel good about doing it, the performers feel good for a resounding applause. I’m not really sure what the issue is? It’s not as if they are standing up all the way through and you can’t see the performance.

I saw Paul mescal in streetcar and thought he was absolutely rubbish!

It disturbs my inner equilibrium.

BECAUSE IT IS WRONG.

I sort of agree. I think that if something truly magnificent comes along the ovation lasts longer maybe?

I think a lot of the time people are applauding the star/star director.

My last few things in London with a standing ovation:

Glass Menagerie with Amy Adams. It was good, not stand up good.

To Kill a Mockingbird with Rafe Spall - stand up good.

The final night of Evan Hansen - natural to ovate for the final night plus US producer on stage.

A strange loop. I fell asleep half way through though my Barbican seat was v uncomfortable. But suspect the standing ovation was for the cutting edge content.

Much Ado about nothing - I challenge anyone not to stand for this glorious and outstanding piece of Shakespeare Tom Hiddleston baring his chest and twerking to 90s disco music

Oh yes I forgot streetcar. Paul Mescal was superb but the ovation was for his star quality at the time.

I am a standerupperclapperer! I think when people do stage shows, it warrants huge applause and appreciation.

Kenrex was incredible and deserved it’s ovation.
Agree with you on everything!

Ust popping on to say Kenrex was phenomenal.