For Those In Support Of Banning Things, Should We Ban Mobile Phones From Theatres?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2792782/comic-michael-mcintyre-walked-stage-sold-told-security-sort-row-woman-kept-using-phone.html

[AlwaysConfused]

I'm on holiday for a week from work, so my mobile is well and truly turned off. Any that needs me desperately knows my landline number. When I go abroad, I only have my mobile for emergencies, as anyone that desperately needs me knows where I am. If I'm at work, I turn off my private mobile, as anyone that desperately needs me knows where I work and can google the number if necessary. I wouldn't even have my phone on silent in the theatre, it would be switched off and hiding in my handbag. Someone would know where to find me without having this electronic tag on all the time.

YES! Ban mobiles from theatres. If people want to take photos, I suggest they buy an old fashioned camera.

[mikey4444]

I am not a fan of Mcintyre at all. I think he is about as unfunny as it gets.
But I appreciate his point here. Why would anyone pay to see a stage act, and then be so rude as to interrupt the performance by using a Mobile phone ?

Height of crass behaviour and rudeness if you ask me.

[anotheoldgit]

/// YES! Ban mobiles from theatres. If people want to take photos, I suggest they buy an old fashioned camera. ///

I don't think that would be a very good idea either, who wants a load of flashes going on?

[ChillDoubt]

I've been in the Custody Suite plenty of times woof but never on the other side of the door. My physique, demeanour and 'presence' have ensured that it has never come to fisticuffs, but I'd never throw the first punch anyway.

[andy-hughes]

ChillDoubt - "My physique, demeanour and 'presence' have ensured that it has never come to fisticuffs ..."

Goodness me - are you trying to say you are a bit of a ... ah ... 'bruiser', if i may make so bold?

[piggynose]

andy, this was a cinema in the centre of madrid, with 12 screens. where our film was being viewed, was in a smaller room, more intimate. this cinema is big on VO. luckily not BO. lol
plus it was a wednesday,the cheap night, 3.90 euros(about 3 quid)

[ChillDoubt]

Well Andy, I'm a 6ft, ex infantry soldier, ex Royal Military Policeman and ex Special Constable. Let's just say I stand my ground.

[sp1814]

I don't agree that phones need to be banned. I wonder whether before the McIntyre show there wasn't the usual, "Please ensure mobiles are set to silent" message that you have before 'proper' theatre shows (as opposed to comedy gigs).

Regarding andy_hughes comments earlier. I noticed exactly the same thing at the Kylie gig at he O2 last month. An absolute sea of mobile phones held aloft by large sections of the audience, and even people videoing the concert.

As anyone with a mobile phone can attest - you're not going to get any decent photos if you're a way off and you're certainly not going to get a decent video captured.

Just enjoy the show, and wait for the DVD to come out later.

Sheesh.

[sp1814]

By the way...I've never once seen anyone ever using their mobile phone once a film starts.

Oh, and andy_hughes - is it possible that the woman with the iPad was writing a review of the Liza Minelli show?

[AlwaysConfused]

turn off the flash?

[vulcan42]

Exactly sp I don't understand people going to a concert with a huge stage in front of them and they watch the show on a 4"x 4" screen.

[andy-hughes]

sp1814 - "Oh, and andy_hughes - is it possible that the woman with the iPad was writing a review of the Liza Minelli show?"

I think it was exactly whatr she was doing - she would be a press seat, as was I.

I write reviews in theatre venues all the time - the difference is, I use a shorthand pad and pen, and a penlight which I shield as much as possible, and I make sure I keep my writing to an absolute minimum to avoid disturbing people around me. whether they have paid or not.

This woman's tablet was casting a weird green light a good four square feet around her, and it was distracting, as she kept turning it on and off and tapping away.

It was unprofessional - as was her subequent behaviour.

I am always extremely mindful that i am a guest of the festival, and my lovely wife and I are enjoying seriously expensive seats thanks to their hospitality, and I am willing to behave accordingly.

[ludwig]

I actually feel a bit sorry for people who feel they have to be constantly recording, tweeting, and facebooking every moment of their lives. It baffles the 5h16 out of me why people want to do that, but they seem to enjoy it, so who am I to criticise if it doesn't affect me.

A reminder to switch devices off should be sufficient. If people can't do it they should be told to leave.

[in a mo]

I agree Theatres + Cinemas should ask all members of the Audience to hand their phones in or be advised that a smack on the nose from a burly Rugby player from say Wigan would be forthcoming,not gender specific. Banning things Smoking ,Drinking on the Streets ,Kissing in Public ,Holding hands,Snogging in Sainsburys,Mobile Phones unless people are stood to one side,

[ChillDoubt]

Granted it was a while ago, but Richard Griffiths has the right idea:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/london/4458810.stm

[New Judge]

I suppose if you're banged up in a theatre with only Michael McIntyre for company some other form of entertainment might be essential. :-)

"...so those that need to be kept in contact with others can be alerted "

Anybody needing to be in touch with others that much should refrain from going to the theatre. They are obviously far too important to squander their time on such frivolity.

[woofgang]

NJ surely that's a bit hard on people who care for loved ones and need to be contactable at all times? I do agree though that phones should be set to vibrate and not ring.

[ladybirder]

Well somebody likes Michael McIntyre.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/comedy/9792765/McIntyre-is-worlds-most-successful-comedian.html