... or so says the motto of Winchester College.
However, after a trip to Her Majesty's theatre in London last year, to see The Phantom of the Opera, I was left undeniably shocked at how much some people lack these.
Knowing that the Olympic and Paralympic games had yet to close, I knew there was likely to be a more diverse range of people in the audience. Everybody has the right to experience the delights of London's West End... right?
Being nineteen years old, I'm in the age group that is stereotypically classed as bad mannered. Even at Norwich's Theatre Royal, I have been spoken down to by theatre staff who made me feel like I was there watching simply for a laugh. Whether this was because I was attending alone, or because I was considerably younger than the majority of the audience, I am uncertain.
Having travelled down to London with a friend, we took our seats in the Grand Circle, in the centre of row C - I booked these with the knowledge that they had been well reviewed on 'TheatreMonkey' and would offer a great view for a great price.
The theatre quickly became full and we found the two rows in front of us were almost completely occupied by those visiting from outside of the UK. At this point, it pleased me enormously to know that these people had come, just like me, to marvel at the theatrical talent and experiences that London has to offer.
Little did I know that as soon as the overture started and the chandelier swings into life, the front row of people would be practically hanging over the rail of the Grand Circle, with the second row having to follow suit to get a view of the stage. Now, sitting in the third row, this meant that we would either have to lean forward too, or be denied a view of part of the stage. The former being uncomfortable and the latter being simply annoying.
I am aware that the railing does somewhat restrict the view, but I did not realise that sitting three rows back, my view would be compromised also.
I was also shocked by the lack of etiquette shown by the gentleman to my left. Not for a moment do I dispute that the production is funny in places, especially during scenes were Carlotta and/or the Manager's are present. I pleases me enormously to hear and join in with the titters in appreciation of the actors' interpretations. But to heartily cackle during the solemn, "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"? If there is comedy in this heart-wrenching song, I certainly have yet to find it.
Another thing, which didn't affect me at this particular performance, but has done previously is people turning up late. I remember seeing Les Miserables last year, and having to stand to allow people to take their seats the other side of me. Considering we were row C stalls, having to do this affected a very large proportion of the audience, not just our row!
I've even been in the Norwich Theatre Royal, during the UK Tour of Goodnight Mister Tom, to hear a man nearby incessantly talk on his mobile phone! If you've paid for the experience of what was an excellent piece of live theatre, why would you ruin it for yourself and others, by taking a phone-call?
The majority of theatre goers are not like this at all and I love to share my experiences and views with those chatty people nearby, but at appropriate times. By this I mean at the interval and the stage door!
I'm sure those of you who also have theatre-related blogs on here will have similar stories to tell, and in all honesty, it saddens me to think that people can be so unappreciative of the actors, musicians and technical crews who have spent hours to create enjoyable theatrical experiences.
