Musical theatre fans have once again had their say on a topical debate following a recent incident in Manchester city centre. Social media users have responded after This Morning presenter Alison Hammond apologised for comments she made on the show regarding audience members singing during the performance of The Bodyguard at Palace Theatre.
On Friday night, the show was forced to end early when police were called after 'fights' broke out among the audience members, who had been singing over the performing cast. All theatre-goers were dramatically told to leave the venue, with one cast member slamming the 'disgusting' behaviour of those who had caused the show to finish 10 minutes before its finale.
Many fans maintain that ticket holders shouldn’t be ‘screeching’ over the cast, which includes The Pussycat Dolls’ Melody Thornton, particularly when spending ‘a fortune’ on tickets. And last night, Alison apologised for making light of the issue of audience singing during a segment on This Morning last week, and admitted she ‘was wrong’ in what she said, after having ‘no idea’ just how disruptive the crowds were.
READ MORE: Dame Arlene Phillips says 'you have no idea' as she responds to Alison Hammond's apology
And, commening on Alison's apology on the M.E.N.'s Facebook page, Laura Clarke said: “No one has the right to ruin the night of everyone else who has bought a ticket.” Paul Bergin agreed, commenting: “If I’d paid 80 quid the last thing I’d wanna hear is some screeching bird. Plenty of karaoke bars in town for the tone deaf.”
Kelley Barlow added: “I don’t want to hear tone deaf Tina when I’ve spent a fortune on a ticket. Let the professionals perform and I’ll sing and dance at the end when permitted!”
“Going to the theatre is expensive,” said Margo Lax. “I don’t want to listen to a rowdy woman singing or trying to sing over the artist on stage. They should’ve been put out earlier.”
While Rachel Richardson Morson wrote: “I went yesterday and nobody sang, everyone laughed at funny parts, clapped after every song, cheered at the end the. They performed "I wanna dance with somebody" for everyone to sing and dance to! Was amazing.”
However, not everyone agreed, with Donna Curran writing: “Apologise for what!! Singing along to a musical? World gone [mad face emoji].”
Diane Buckley added: “They like the police in there. You not allowed to take photos or video?? Have a word with yourselves ... seats are £75+ for the smallest most uncomfortable seats up in the God's!!! I'm not going again!”
Some even defended Alison Hammond, including comedian Katherine Ryan, who wrote on Twitter: “ANYONE’s problem with Allison Hammond WILL BE PERSONALLY SOLVED BY ME. Let the nation’s sweetheart have a laugh, FFS she’s not going to ruin a musical, she’s here to be the light of our otherwise miserable lives.”
But Daniel Clift responded: “I agree with you, she is the nation's sweetheart. But she condoned unacceptable behaviour and made the situation worse. Apology 100% accepted, but it’s important to remember not to make light of a situation you have little knowledge of. We love her as always.”
Dame Arlene Phillips, who has directed and choreographed many hit West End and Broadway musicals, added: "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."
The comments referred to came from a live debate on ITV’s This Morning after Manchester Evening News reported that ticket holders had been asked not to sing during the performance of The Bodyguard, which is running until April 15.
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 Feltz 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?"
In a statement put out on social media on Sunday night, Alison said: “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.
"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 adored and gave a standing ovation. Theatre is a magical experience for me and my family. 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 is happening at The Bodyguard in Manchester which has made me sick to my stomach. Once again I am truly sorry but trust I will do better in the future."
After Alison's apology, Dermot shared a statement on Twitter. He said: "Evening all... A lot of people commenting about a reaction to a story we covered on This Morning about the 'Bodyguard' show and audiences singing along.
"Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview... as I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres. Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards.
"Peace and love to all. Now, back to those Easter eggs... Dx."
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