Anti-social behaviour from theatre audiences increasing, union warns

Theatre workers are suffering from increased anti-social behaviour from audiences, ranging from sexual harassment to physical assaults, new research suggests.

A survey among 1,500 members of theatre union Bectu indicated that incidents have become more extreme following the pandemic.

Most of those surveyed, mainly working in front of house, hospitality, box office, stage door, sound and lighting, reported having directly experienced or witnessed poor audience behaviour.

Nearly half of respondents said they have thought about leaving the industry as a result.

What we’ve uncovered is that anti-social behaviour extends far beyond relatively minor issues of someone talking during a performance or playing on their mobile phone

Incidents reported included physical aggression, threats of violence, sexual harassment or assault, mass brawls, assaults on staff or other members of the audience, defacing or damaging venues and racial slurs.

Other issues were general disorderly, unsafe, intoxicated or lewd behaviour; inappropriate use of mobile phones; and vandalism to a venue.

Bectu said its study revealed a sense of audience “entitlement” and a marked lack of concern for people to enjoy shows.

The union has launched a Safer Theatres Charter which calls on venue management to take a more proactive and zero-tolerance approach to anti-social audience behaviour.

Head of Bectu Philippa Childs said: “Our findings are a resounding call for the industry to do better by its workers, and for audiences to consider and amend their behaviour.

The scale and nature of many of the instances reported is deeply disturbing and we will be working with the industry to do all we can to drive urgent and tangible change

“The scale and nature of many of the instances reported is deeply disturbing and we will be working with the industry to do all we can to drive urgent and tangible change.

“What is clear from these responses is that these instances are neither rare nor isolated, nor are they relegated to a certain type of performance or geographical location.

“Across the country people are facing regular aggression and abuse simply for carrying out their jobs. This is wholly unacceptable and we urge venues and industry bodies to commit to working with us to tackle this endemic issue.

“What we’ve uncovered is that anti-social behaviour extends far beyond relatively minor issues of someone talking during a performance or playing on their mobile phone. People are coming to work fearing for their safety and dealing with behaviour-no one should have to put up with.

“Many of these workers are already battling long hours and low pay and urgent action is needed to avoid a worsening talent drain.”