The curse of Macbeth strikes again. David Tennant’s turn as the Scottish psychopath was interrupted this week by a kerfuffle in the auditorium at the Harold Pinter theatre. A play-goer left to visit the lavatory and took exception when the ushers asked him to wait for a suitable pause before resuming his seat.
Audience members reportedly ‘kicked off about the disturbance’ as the man tried to re-enter to enjoy the show. Up came the house lights. A stage manager asked David Tennant and his co-star, Cush Jumbo, to return to their dressing rooms while the conflict was resolved. After 15 minutes the show continued, but the man involved is thought to have left the venue. Why? Theatre managers should be prepared for such interruptions, which are hardly rare.
The onus must fall on the star to work his magic and earn his wage. If he can’t keep the viewers amused, the viewers will amuse each other
It’s usually late-comers, often carrying bulging designer bags, who create a nuisance by forcing everyone else to stand up while they shuffle into their seats.