Anything Doesn’t Go
Anti-social behaviour in UK theatres has reached a tipping point.
Our recent survey uncovered the shocking extent of anti-social audience behaviour in theatrical venues across the country. From West End musicals to opera houses, pantos and ballet performances, more than 1,500 theatre workers shared with us their experiences of regular brawls, vandalism, assault, racial abuse and more.
No one should have to put up with this at work. And in the context of a chronic skills shortage in UK theatres, it’s particularly worrying that nearly half the respondents reported they’d considered leaving the industry as a result of poor audience behaviour.
That’s why we’ve launched the UK Safer Theatres Charter. We are calling on venue management to take a more proactive, thorough and zero-tolerance approach to tackling this sort of behaviour.
Pledge your support – sign the Safer Theatres Charter
Help us campaign for a safer and more enjoyable theatre experience for everyone. Because when it comes to audience behaviour, anything doesn’t go.
Find out more about the survey findings
Find out moreOver 1,500 UK theatre workers shared their experiences of poor audience behaviour with us.
Read some of their accounts here.Our members and all theatre workers deserve better. We want to put an end to anti-social behaviour in theatres. You can help us by:
1. Adding your name to the UK Safer Theatres Charter – the more signatures we have, the more we can push for change
2. Share the charter with your friends, colleagues and networks and encourage them to sign it
3. Show your support on social media – share this graphic or download our social media pack
4. Download and share our campaign posters below – make them visible in your workplace
5. Tell your networks – easily spread the word with our suggested text here
“Whilst working in theatre venues in the West End in London I have been punched, hit across the face, verbally abused.”
Anonymous – ©Audience behaviour in theatres survey Feb 2023
“I have been personally threatened with assault and sexual assault by a patron while working as a supervisor, I felt so unsafe.”
Anonymous – ©Audience behaviour in theatres survey Feb 2023
“Customers have urinated on the sides of bars and generators.”
Anonymous – ©Audience behaviour in theatres survey Feb 2023
