67 replies to this topic

[Ian]

The Alexandrinsky Theatre is St Petersburg has become the first theatre to jam mobile phone signals during the performance. The signal is unblocked for the interval, and so far it is reported that the system is a resounding success.

Please let this happen in the UK!!

[dan]

Fascism at its best!

[Trev]

Dan, do you know what Fascism means? Just asking as it seems a slightly over the top reaction to what appears to be a rather sensible solution to an incredibly irritating modern phenomenon in the theatre. Nobody gets killed in this scenario and most people who have made the effort to visit a theatre have done so to watch and listen the performers rather than some inconsiderate b*s*a*d with no thought for others. If by any chance you are of a very small minority who likes overhearing others phone calls  can I recommend public transport for a tenth of the outlay.

[dan]

Dan, do you know what Fascism means? Just asking as it seems a slightly over the top reaction to what appears to be a rather sensible solution to an incredibly irritating modern phenomenon in the theatre. Nobody gets killed in this scenario and most people who have made the effort to visit a theatre have done so to watch and listen the performers rather than some inconsiderate b*s*a*d with no thought for others. If by any chance you are of a very small minority who likes overhearing others phone calls  can I recommend public transport for a tenth of the outlay.

Well aware thank you Mr Patronising. 99% of mobile phone carrying punters are sensible/sensitive enough to silence them at the theatre or cinema. As a parent I want to know that I could be contacted in an emergency and not have this essential taken away from me because of the selfish people you describe. My reply was meant good naturedly, but as your 'humour' has its basis in swearing and public transport gags my time here is wasted.

[David]

It's a great idea, but I can't see it happening sometimes- the arguments against it are very weak (in my opinion), but they are the views that the health and safety brigade seem to harbour, and we are all at their mercy!

[Matthew Winn]

As a parent I want to know that I could be contacted in an emergency and not have this essential taken away from me because of the selfish people you describe.

And how, exactly, are you going to distinguish between an emergency and any other call? This is not a rhetorical question: I want to know how you intend to achieve this. Are you going to tell everyone who has your number that they shouldn't call you between 19:30 and 22:30 because you'll be at the theatre? Are you going to answer the phone anyway just in case? Or what? Come on. Let us know.

Suppose something does happen. You're at the theatre. It's not like you can be right there with your children immediately. It'll take you time to travel to be with them. If you've left your children with someone responsible and competent to take care of them then that person will be able to deal with anything that happens, so there's no need for you to be contacted instantly. Calling in before and after each act just in case will suffice. If the person looking after your children isn't competent to handle a crisis then you've been negligent; what the hell are you doing leaving your kids with someone who can't take care of them? And if you really need to be sure you can be contacted, what's wrong with giving someone the number of the theatre and your seat number so you can be contacted if you absolutely must get home as quickly as possible? If you really believe that you need to be with your children that quickly then perhaps you shouldn't be at the theatre in the first place. Other parents manage to leave their children with a minder for a few hours and trust them to do a good job. I've known members of the cast who do that every night. Why can't you?

Sorry, but this "I must be contactable" excuse doesn't wash. People coped without mobile phones throughout history and the world didn't come to an end. It's possible to manage perfectly well having your phone switched off for each act. In my entire life I've only known one person who genuinely needed to be contacted without delay, and for the four days out of every month this was necessary he made sure he didn't go anywhere where it would be a problem. For everyone else this so-called "essential" is nothing of the sort. It has nothing to do with what they need: it's just what they want, and they'll make up any excuse in order to justify getting their own way.

[dan]

Not a fan of children then Matthew?

I totally agree that 10 years ago before I had kids I would feel the same, and maybe even 5 years ago before I had a mobile.  But what's the point of buying technology if you can't use it? I'm responsible and have it on vibrate. It isn't affecting anyone elses enjoyment of the show and i've every right to be concerened for my kids when i'm not there. You obviously feel strongly about it to write four sides of A4 on it. Lets agree to differ. My kids are more important to me than the annoyance someone might experience from me discreetly checking my phone screen during a show.

Now, talking and arriving late, a whole other story.

[David]

I'm responsible and have it on vibrate. It isn't affecting anyone elses enjoyment of the show

That doesn't answer Matthew's question; how do you know that the call is about your children? Also, vibrating phones are audible, and whilst they might not annoy the rest of the auditorium, the people nearby can hear it: and what if there is a call? Answering it will certainly affect other people's concentration on the show, and therefore their enjoyment. Not to mention lack of respect to the actors.

[hedge_hog]

But what's the point of buying technology if you can't use it? I'm responsible and have it on vibrate. It isn't affecting anyone elses enjoyment of the show

Well it certainly does. I've recently had a very annoying experience thanks to a mobile vibrating for at least 20 minutes at the Royal Court's Seagull. It makes a most unconvenient noise while on vibrate, especially when the person makes no effort to turn it off!  

[armadillo]

I don't know if this is actually correct but most newspaper reports of the St Petersburg initiative (and a similar one in Japanese cinemas  a few years ago) have said this technology is illegal in the uK because of blocking doctor's pagers.