Dame Arlene Phillips has replied to Alison Hammond to say "you have no idea" after the This Morning presenter apologised for her comments about The Bodyguard musical in Manchester which had to be stopped because of disruption on Friday night. Alison, 48, said she was 'truly sorry' for ‘making light’ of audiences singing along to musicals during a segment on Wednesday's show.
Alison took to Twitter with an apology and vowed to "do better in the future" after the popular presenter and her colleagues Dermot O’Leary, and Vanessa Feltz discussed whether audience members should be allowed to sing along while professional actors are performing on stage. There was a backlash to their discussion as Alison said: "I mean, I can't believe it. I'd be devastated, I'm not even going to go to that show now."
Vanessa said: "Isn't it the whole point of going to a musical you know, that you sing along to all the bits you know and when you don't know the words you just make them up? Isn't that what everybody does very very loudly while eating an ice cream?"
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On Sunday (April 9) Alison wrote: ‘After reflection and the comments I made on Wednesday’s show I want to apologise to anyone who I offended especially the incredibly talented theatre performers, who I have the utmost respect for. I had no idea the level of disruption audiences were causing and tried to make light of the topic on Wednesday’s show, and for that I’m truly sorry."
She added: "I am a great supporter of theatre and the arts and would never sing at the top of my lungs at any performance. I was wrong in what I said and I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past few days and believe I was wrong."
She continued: "On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO the musical which I absolutely loved and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family." She concluded: "I want to use my platform for good as always and want to stand up with the performers, front of house and theatre staff especially after seeing what happened at The Bodyguard in Manchester, which has made me sick to my stomach." She added: "Once again I am truly sorry but trust me I will do better in the future."
Dame Arlene, who has directed and choreographed many hit West End and Broadway musicals, responded to say: "Alison thank you for your apology but I would just like to say, you have no idea what it is really like for those performers in the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain members of the audience feel entitled to join in."
The former Strictly Come Dancing judge, from Prestwich, also said: "Performers are unsure what to do. They are not trained when audiences get out of control and arguing with each other. It’s so distressing. Let’s hope this behaviour stops and normality returns."
Marisha Wallace, who is currently starring as Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls on the Westy End, tweeted a video of the audience enthusiastically dancing and singing at the end of their show. "Speaking of audience control we do this every night at the end of the show and have a great time. People are respectful so we all can enjoy. Love this part of the show!" she tweeted.
And Dame Arlene replied: "Indeed they are , but the audience are a big part of our show and every show we just need to ask them to wait until the end of the show to get the opportunity to join in as with many shows I have worked on and pray they listen."
The Bodyguard had to be halted and police were called to the Oxford Street venue when 'staff reported a number of people in the audience causing a disturbance' and two women were captured on video being dragged out of the upper circle of the theatre. Theatre-goers took to social media claiming the show had to be stopped early after audience members began "trying to sing over the cast".
One person said: "Cannot believe what I’ve just witnessed at the palace theatre watching the Bodyguard. A mini riot after the show was stopped because audience members were trying to sing over the cast."
Video captured one audience member 'screaming' over the song I Will Always Love You, while other 'confused and angry' theatre-goers spoke over the music and questioned what was happening. Bosses at the Palace Theatre said 'disruptive customers refused to stay seated' and 'spoilt the performance for others.'
@JonnyBowles agreed with Arlene, saying: "·Absolutely 100 per cent Arlene. Having been resident director on The Bodyguard I’ve never seen anything like it. x" @felix_brunger also agreed: "Well said Arlene. It’s not karaoke!" And @buckland_dawn said: "Having performed in a couple of 'jukebox productions' this is certainly a conversation that needs to be had. Maybe @thismorning would like to do a piece on it “for balance”? #dontsingunlessinvited."
In full, the statement, released on Saturday, said: "The performance of The Bodyguard at The Palace Theatre, Manchester was stopped at 9.40pm last night and not continued. We are disappointed that the last 10 minutes of the show needed to be cancelled due to disruptive customers refusing to stay seated and spoiling the performance for others.
"We are grateful to our venue teams for dealing with these difficult circumstances in a professional and calm way, and to Greater Manchester Police for their assistance. Future performances will continue as planned and we ask that customers are considerate towards the cast, fellow audience members and theatre team so that everyone can enjoy the wonderful entertainment on stage."
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