WEST End theatre chiefs have slapped 15 trigger warnings on a The Phantom of the Opera show — because it features violence and death.
His Majesty’s Theatre posted a guide giving timings for alerts, such as “loud sounds” and “haze”, despite the musical being deemed suitable for children as young as eight.
Iconic West End musical Phantom of the Opera was slapped with 15 trigger warnings because it includes ‘violence and death’[/caption]
The Andrew Lloyd Webber show — one of the best known and highest-grossing of all time — runs for 2½ hours at the theatre[/caption]
Its decision, which follows similar over-the-top moves by other theatres, was branded “beyond parody”.
The Andrew Lloyd Webber show — one of the best known and highest-grossing of all time — runs for 2½ hours at the theatre.
The production is already in full swing until September, with tickets starting at £25.
It tells the tragic love story of beautiful singer Christine Daaé, who becomes the obsession of a disfigured musical genius living beneath the Paris Opera House.
The theatre’s guide warns that those who are watching can expect “smoke” and “bangs”.
It adds: “This show contains loud sounds, gun shots, flashing lights, haze, fire, pyrotechnics and depictions of violence and death at certain points.”
But Toby Young, founder of the Free Speech Union, said: “This is beyond parody. It won’t be long before theatres ask audiences not to applaud at the end in case they trigger people who are sensitive to noise.”
The Phantom of the Opera is the latest show accused of patronising its audience by warning of obvious content.
Earlier this week, ticket-holders for Murder on the Orient Express were told to expect depictions of murder.
Matt Newbury, creative director of the Agatha Christie Festival, said: “Plot spoiler . . . the clue is definitely in the title.”
Meanwhile, the Chichester Festival Theatre was mocked after stating the Three Little Pigs fairy tale included “a passing reference to Father Pig being gobbled by the Big Bad Wolf”.
And The English National Opera warned its comic work The Pirates of Penzance at the London Coliseum included “alcohol misuse and mild violence”.
Among stars who reckon the practice has gone too far is Dame Judi Dench, who asked: “Isn’t the whole business of going to the theatre about seeing something that you can be excited, surprised or stimulated by?”
LW Theatres, which owns His Majesty’s Theatre, has been approached for comment.
