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?

Yep - I think it’s great that theatre is so much more inclusive these days, but it seems that lots of posters only want the “right sort” to attend because it means they’ll do things properly.

I love standing at the end and giving a huge ovation - it’s part of going to the theatre IMO and means you always leave on a massive high.

I’ve booked to see Chicago this summer and can’t wait to stand at the end and piss off all the local misery guts’ 🤣

Im not a regular theatre goer and a trip to the west end is a massive treat for me. Managed it twice before and I was so in awe that I did stand at the end. If you’re lucky enough to get to do these things often then perhaps the novelty wears off but remember there will be people there who are excited and want to show their appreciation.

Hard agree.

How do you feel about applauding as the curtain falls for the interval?

I agree with you, OP! I almost always stay resolutely in my seat.

Though I did nearly stand up for The Years last week. It was v impressive.

OP come to Edinburgh, a polite ripple of applause even if it’s extraordinary 🤣 but aside from the frigid reservedness of the Morningside massive, it’s a hard agree from me. Standing ovations shouldn’t be the norm, otherwise we’ll have to start bringing stilts to illustrate our appreciation.

I think you should scream and wail. Sistine Chapel style.

Yes, a gentle smile and perhaps a brief nod of appreciation is all that actors really want after their performance. They are probably desperate to get off home to watch tellie.

I hate this. Especially if it's a play I know really well or a Shakespeare. Yes, I know where the jokes are, as do you all, but a wry smile of acknowledgement will do. We all get it. Stop showing off.

I do it because there is a cast of performers who have just put everything they've got into a performance. What harm does it do if i stand up and clap to let them know i appreciated it and it makes them feel good?

And I'm happy to clap, but it's got to be outstanding to get an ovation.

I'd have stood at the end of episode 1 of Adolesece, to be fair. Dh is usually unmoved, but even he had to go and walk to the kitchen at the end. We do have teenage dc though, so it did hit pretty hard.

Do you go to the theatre regularly ?If you did you'd understand her grievance I'm sure.

Not in London here. We go to our local theatre quite a lot, been twice since Christmas, and I have never seen a standing ovation although they have been excellent shows. Maybe it's just a London thing?

I recently went to a West End play with big names in that didnt get a standing ovation - it almost looked like the actors were disappointed. It didn't deserve a standing ovation but they're becoming so commonplace that the absence of one is a statement and it shouldn't be.

It was Unicorn with an amazing cast - but the play wasn't strong enough and we applauded their hard work.

And those who bring the score to ostentatiously follow along on.(That may be more a Proms thing, but still, FGS)

Not sure if I've imagined it, but I think I've seen some performers look a bit dismayed.

It's like being on the way out of work and someone stopping you.

You ovate? I'd be seeing the gyno about that

thats fair enough but a standing ovation should be a sign of an 'outstanding' performance. When its this for everything, how do we show appreciation for the really excellent performance?

Book an aisle seat.
Make a smart retreat whilst the lemmings are clapping and bravo-ing and the stairs and aisles are clear.

Lots of shows that I've attended have had standing ovations, we're in Liverpool not London. I do think OP has a point and a SO should really be reserved for exceptional performances, otherwise it gets devalued. It's supposed to be special, not everyday.

The performances done by Ukrainian performers ALWAYS get a standing ovation. They produce a flag and launch into the national anthem, then everyone gets up. Without fail.

Surely the audience's standing ovation is at the end... so maybe less standing ovation and more kill 2 birds with 1 stone.... everyone is getting up anyway so let's clap as well and get the fuck out cos this twat I've been sat next to for 2 hours is really pissing me off?

I wondered this recently too, it does seem to be the norm now with West end musicals.
But then what does it hurt really to show a bit of a more open appreciation rather than reserved clapping. You can always stay seated
I saw the OG cast of Hadestown in Feb and my god they deserved the SO.

I stand because FOR ME the performance was amazing.
I don't go to the west end that frequently, but when I do I'm speechless by the talent.
I imagine most less-frequent-than-you visitors are the same.
Don't suck the joy out of our experiences.

YES! Thank you - I have always thought this.
Really dilutes the ones deserving of them and it's such a faff with coats, bags, water bottles, empty ice cream pots...

Don't get it so much in regional theatre thankfully

I dont know when or why it started but I suspect they're the same people who clap when the plane lands.

Yes, I have noticed it as well.

I think it's part of the "everyone deserves a medal" approach. But it does mean that the really spectacular can't be communicated by the audience.

Relatedly, a few years ago people regularly started clapping after the final organ voluntary at my church, something that never would have happened in the past.