The debate over whether children should be allowed to attend evening shows has been reignited after an incident where a mother was asked to leave a theater with her baby. Some argue that it is disrespectful to the performers and other audience members, while others believe that well-behaved children are welcome.
Judith Rostron, a resident of Killarney Heights, believes that screaming children should not be part of the deal when paying a high price for a ticket to an evening show. She contends that it is unfair to the other members of the audience and the performers. Arj Barker, a comedian, has been praised for asking a mother to leave the theater with her baby. Phil Johnson, a resident of Dee Why, believes that the theater is no place for a baby and that people deserve to enjoy their experience free from distractions.
However, others believe that well-behaved children should be welcome in theaters. Evan Bailey, a resident of Glebe, shared an anecdote about his daughter’s reaction to seeing Noni Hazlehurst in a nude love scene. He believes that the incident broke the tense silence in the cinema and added a touch of humor to the moment. Joe Whitcombe, a resident of Bronte, laments the decline of ushers in theaters, who he believes helped to maintain a civil and harmonious atmosphere. He now prefers to stay home with his cat rather than deal with audience misbehavior.
Parents also have varying opinions on the matter. Jon Pollard, a resident of Moss Vale, believes that Arj Barker did nothing wrong when he asked the mother to leave his show. He and his wife accepted the fact that they would have to limit their social outings when their children were young. Suzanne Fuller, a resident of Thornleigh, also believes that it is courteous to leave babies at home when attending live performances.
The issue of unruly audience behavior extends beyond children. Joe Whitcombe highlights the annoyance of noisy candy wrappers, feet on the back of chairs, and the distraction of illuminated screens. He believes that theaters have become less enjoyable due to a lack of audience etiquette.
Despite the debate, it is clear that there is a need for mutual respect in the theater. Audience members should be mindful of their behavior and avoid causing disruptions for others. Parents should also consider whether their children are ready for the theater experience and make arrangements for childcare if necessary. By working together, we can ensure that everyone can enjoy live performances without distractions.
