Theatre couple thrown out 'for laughing too loud'
A couple who went to see a show billed as capable of making you "laugh until they throw you out" were asked to leave a Lincoln theatre – because they were laughing too much.
Sharon Whitelaw (41), of Newark Road, Lincoln, took boyfriend Tony Priestley (42) to see the production of Bouncers at the Drill Hall on Saturday night as a birthday present.
But after watching the first half of the comedy they were told not to go back into the auditorium, as "several" theatre-goers had complained the couple were "laughing at moments that weren't funny, kicking the seats in front and being loud".
"I think the whole way we were treated was like children," said Miss Whitelaw, a taxi driver.
"I wished the ground had swallowed me up at the time, I was so embarrassed."
The couple were led into the foyer, and spoken to in front of other theatre-goers who were enjoying their interval drinks.
"She proceeded to tell us they couldn't let us back in because three people had complained."
The couple received a full refund for the price of the tickets and their pre-ordered drinks.
Drill Hall manager Simon Hollingworth said he appreciated that the couple might not be happy, but that his staff did the right thing.
For more on this story, including a full response from the Drill Hall, see Tuesday's Echo.
23 Comments
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by sharon whitelaw, lincoln
Monday, March 30 2009, 5:12PM
“first of all can i thank everyone who left messages wether it was good or bad. Atleast you took the time and effort. I did see saturdays echo and to be honest wasn't surprised to get negative comments from one of the complainants, although I have to reitterrate that I am middle aged and catergorically deny "kicking seats". Furthermore Tony and I had a meeting with the Manager and we received a full apology from him as well as offering us free tickets to go back and see the bouncers comedy play. He admitted that their policies and procedures needed to be looked at and assured us that that would happen. We left satisfied that our point was taken and that being thrown out had been harsh. We make no apologies for our sense of humour bieng different to others or that my laugh is too loud!!!”
by lynn, lincoln
Wednesday, March 25 2009, 3:45PM
“And Phil - I didn't complain, I simply moved seats. And they didn't crack jokes as such, it was a play with a funny script.”
by lynn, lincoln
Wednesday, March 25 2009, 3:38PM
“Phil -were you there, no, others were and the majority didn't like what they witnessed. End of story.”
by Phil, milton keynes
Wednesday, March 25 2009, 3:15PM
“2 B honest they probs weren't kicking the seats or maybe did once or something stupid like that but it sounds like whoever complained are so tight/up themselves, i mean they tried to get a couple kicked out for laughing too much at a comedy, says everything doesn't it. That would be like me complaining about others laughing at a Cannon and Ball show after they attempted to crack a joke simply because i don't find it funny.LOL (or maybe not)”
by m tanner, lincoln
Wednesday, March 25 2009, 12:41PM
“i was sat right behind this couple and dont belive what i read they were fine as far as im concerned and didnt disturb me i ant way maybe most of you guys with your comments should get a life and not judge people on what the press prints .there is a real world out there and people have there fredom of rights and individualitys fair play to these guys dont be dictated to by people with no backbone”