A viral video showing two audience members being removed from a musical in Manchester by security has prompted a wider discussion on theatre etiquette.
The Bodyguard is the latest musical to captivate and entertain audiences in Manchester.
Based on the beloved 1992 film of the same name starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, the stage musical adaptation that’s currently here at Manchester’s Palace Theatre until Saturday 15 April is already an award-winning smash hit international production, and is lead by former Pussycat Doll Melody Thornton and soap actor Ayden Callaghan.
The show tells the story of Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron from an unknown stalker.
Just like the film, the stage production is known for its music – with a score featuring some of Whitney Houston’s most iconic songs, including ‘One Moment in Time’, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, and, of course, ‘I Will Always Love You’.
ADVERTISEMENT
But as the musical’s massively talented cast attempt to do Houston’s hits justice each night, they ask that the audience “please refrain from singing along” while they do so.
Two “rowdy” audience members in Manchester didn’t appear to get the memo last week though.
ADVERTISEMENT
Watch the moment two audiences members were removed from a theatre performance of The Bodyguard.
The duo were reportedly 'singing over' the lead actor and the show ended 10 minutes early 👇🎭 pic.twitter.com/LmLlqsyIY4
After the duo were said to have been “singing over the lead during the final song” and were asked to stop by staff, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called to reports of a “disturbance” the Palace Theatre and removed the audience members from the venue.
A video showing the moment they were removed from the crowd by security has gone viral and has been widely-shared across social media over the last few days.
The Palace Theatre said in a statement after the incident that it was “disappointed” the show had to be halted and the last 10 minutes needed to be cancelled due to “disruptive customers refusing to stay seated and spoiling the performance for others”.
ADVERTISEMENT
The incident has prompted a widespread discussion on theatre etiquette – with the topic debated on ITV‘s This Morning and Good Morning Britain, and on BBC News.
Should people be allowed to sing at theatres? 🎭 After one theatre in Manchester banned audiences from singing along, @VanessaOnAir has her say… pic.twitter.com/NiQCEw49N7
A performance of The Bodyguard was brought to an abrupt halt on Friday night after theatregoers started singing over the lead during the final number. Should rowdy theatregoers be banned for life when they start singing along with the stars on stage?
Hundreds have also been sharing their takes on social media.
While reaction has been fairly mixed, with some having chosen to make light of the situation, and others saying they would be “devastated” at the thought of not being able to sing along with the hugely-popular hits that usually fill musicals’ scores, others have shared their disappointment in the situation.
Some have also pointed out that The Bodyguard isn’t unique in its request to ask that audiences “refrain from singing along”, and that this has been common theatre knowledge for quite a while, with several other shows also asking the same.
Others who have either worked front of house or in theatre settings have also shared their experiences and opinions on the matter.
ADVERTISEMENT
Sending support to the cast, crew and creative team at @TheBodyguardUK. And a big thank you to The Palace Theatre Manchester for all their efforts! This should not be a debate, and it shouldn't have gotten to this point to have police closing the performance. #thebodyguard
— Georgia Siân Clarke 🏴 (@That_actingirl) April 7, 2023
the bodyguard isn’t even the first show to outright ask for audiences to not sing along. it’s always been a part of theatre etiquette and it’s embarrassing that productions have to directly ask for it to be respected now.
i’m honestly hoping that our audiences are going to be more respectful and appreciate of the art they have paid to see, instead of acting in a way that is so horrific. theatre etiquette has gone so downhill recently and it’s so upsetting to see. people need to learn basic manners
Famous names from the world of musical theatre and wider entertainment industry are also among those sending their support to The Bodyguard’s cast and crew.
Acress Hayley Tamaddon said on Twitter: “I truly feel for the cast of The Bodyguard. Do you know how hard it is to sing songs like that 8 shows a week?! I don’t understand how people can be so disrespectful. There are plenty of karaoke bars or “sing- a- long” shows. go there instead.”
Etiquette consultant and society commentators William Hanson added on Twitter: “Where does one begin with this? When people have paid (a lot of) money to see the lead in ‘The Bodyguard’ musical do her thing, it’s because they want to hear *her* sing ‘How Will I Know’, not Debbie from Macclesfield.
“Eyes front, phones off and keep quiet.”
I truly feel for the cast of #TheBodyguard Do you know how hard it is to sing songs like that 8 shows a week?! I don’t understand how people can be so disrespectful..there are plenty of karaoke bars or “sing- a- long” shows. go there instead! Urgh. So much I could say about this.
When people have paid (a lot of) money to see the lead in ‘The Bodyguard’ musical do her thing, it's because they want to hear *her* sing ‘How Will I Know’, not Debbie from Macclesfield.
The Bodyguard’s leads Melody Thornton and Ayden Callaghan both spoke out after the incident, thanking fans and audience members who “respect the people on stage who want to give you a beautiful show”.
ADVERTISEMENT
Thornton said in a video message shared to Twitter that it felt “awful” to have to cancel the last 10 minutes, and that she “fought really hard” to keep the show going, but that the situation was out of their hands.
“I thank everyone who was respectful of the performers, and am very very sorry for those who weren’t,” she added.
Prior to the incident in Manchester, Ayden Callaghan first gave his take in response to the topic being discussed on This Morning, explaining: “It’s not karaoke, we want people to enjoy themselves, and enjoy the performances they have paid to see. You don’t expect to go and have a kick about at Anfield when watching or a few rallies at Wimbledon as well as spectating.
“Respect the performers and fellow audience. Simple.”
He then followed up on this following the Manchester show, adding: “Theatre pulled the show at the end tonight because of disgusting behaviour. We wanted to carry on but it had become a major incident. I’m really sorry to what was 99.9% a brilliant audience that a few badly behaved individuals ruined it.”
Theatre pulled the show at the end tonight because of disgusting behaviour. We wanted to carry on but it had become a major incident. I’m really sorry to what was 99.9% a brilliant audience that a few badly behaved individuals ruined it. https://t.co/quemi5Jmt5
A spokesperson for the Palace Theatre confirmed that future performances of The Bodyguard would “continue as planned” in Manchester right up until it closes this Saturday.
But the theatre has asked that customers are “considerate” towards the cast, fellow audience members, and theatre team so that “everyone can enjoy the wonderful entertainment on stage”.
Featured Image – ATG Tickets
Theatre
Swordplay and rock ‘n’ roll: A Knight’s Tale comes to Manchester Opera House
Danny Jones
From the moment the curtain rises at Manchester Opera House, A Knight’s Tale bursts into life with exhilarating energy. This stage adaptation of the beloved 2001 film expertly blends medieval spectacle with a bold, modern twist.
Full of jousting tournaments, noble quests, and underdog triumphs, the production delivers both heart and high drama – all with a heady dose of rock ‘n’ roll.
At the centre of it all is William Thatcher, a young squire who dares to defy his lowly birth and enter the world of high-born knights. Played with charm and confidence by Andrew Coshan, William’s journey from peasant to jousting champion is rousing, if occasionally veering into heroic cliché.
Still, Coshan’s likability and natural charisma keep the audience cheering for him through every lance charge and dramatic monologue. The supporting cast also shines.
A standout is Eva Scott, whose comic timing and delivery consistently land laughs, often stealing scenes with her sharp one-liners.
Meanwhile, Meesha Turner brings elegance and spark to the role of Princess Jocelyn. Her powerful vocals during the show’s pop-classic ballads transform the character into a fiery, modern princess you can’t help but root for.
The production’s standout sequences are undoubtedly the jousts, theatrical set pieces that are an absolute masterclass in stagecraft. Using a clever combination of rigging, physical choreography, and dynamic sound design, the creative team conjures a truly immersive atmosphere.
Dramatic lighting and resonant sound effects make you feel the thud of hooves and the crash of lances. The cleverly designed set, featuring an arena-style jousting field, draws the audience into the action in a way that feels fresh and cinematic.
However, the show stumbles slightly in its quieter, more emotional scenes. The dialogue, while laced with humour, sometimes dips into melodrama. The villain, Count Adhemar, feels a touch underwritten, with motivations that don’t quite match the emotional weight the story strives for, but is still well-acted.
Don’t just take it from us: the A Knight’s Tale reviews from Manchester crowds are already very strong.
The stakes between him and William never fully build to the payoff they could – leaving certain dramatic beats a little flat. Musically, the show makes a bold departure from traditional scores. Instead, it leans into a soundtrack of classic rock anthems; think Queen, AC/DC, The Who and more.
At first, it seems like an odd match for a medieval tale, just as it did with the movie, but it works brilliantly. The music injects the show with rebellious energy and gives it a timeless quality. It’s loud, bold, and exactly what this high-octane tale of ambition and identity calls for.
A special mention must go to the ensemble and choreography. The jousting scenes are beautifully choreographed, blending acrobatics, dance, and swordplay with seamless precision. Even in quieter moments, the movement on stage supports the storytelling with subtle grace.
But the unexpected stars of the show? The horses. Designed with clever costume and movement illusions, they create the convincing effect of riders in full gallop – and at times, they very nearly steal the spotlight altogether.
Credit: Supplied
Though clearly aimed at adult audiences, with its cheeky humour and classic rock soundtrack, the show flirts with the spirit of panto, oversized characters, regional accents, and exaggerated physical comedy. And it works.
The regional dialects add warmth and levity, grounding the fantasy in a cheeky, very British sensibility. In the end, A Knight’s Tale is a triumphant and entertaining spectacle, an electrifying mix of medieval mythology and modern musical theatre.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the original film or seeing the story for the first time, this production offers a fun, fast-paced, and surprisingly heartfelt night out. It’s not perfect, but it’s hard not to be swept up in the clashing swords, galloping hooves, and power chords.
Put simply, this is a knight to remember – with a soundtrack that slays.
A theatre adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film North By Northwest is coming to Manchester
Daisy Jackson
Alfred Hitchcock’s much-loved spy classic, North By NorthWest, is hitting the stage and visiting one of Manchester’s most celebrated theatres.
This new, riotously funny production will be visiting HOME theatre for a run of shows kicking off this week.
The show reworks Hitchcock’s film of the same name, following one man who accidentally lands himself in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy.
Now adapted for the stage by Emma Rice, North By Northwest follows an unfortunate mix-up where a mistimed phone call to his mother lands Roger Thornhill in a spot of bother.
Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy film North By Northwest is hitting the stage in Manchester / Credit: Steve Tanner (via Supplied)
Audiences will see this unlikely (and reluctant) hero head on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale.
For the theatre production at HOME, the classic spy film (that starred Cary Grant) has been turned on its head and stars just six shape-shifting performers.
There’s a fabulous 1950s soundtrack to go with it too – and, apparently, a lot of suitcases.
Tickets are now on sale, and it’s already being described as a must-see / Credit: Steve Tanner (via Supplied)
North By NorthWest promises ‘glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths’.
Artistic director Emma Rice has already adapted and directed products for Wise Children including The Buddha of Suburbia, Blue Beard, and Wuthering Heights, plus worked as artistic director for Shakespeare’s Globe.
The cast is made up of Mirabelle Gremaud as Anna; Patrycja Kujawska as Eve Kendall; Kary Owen as The Professor; Simon Oskarsson as Valerian; Karl Queensborough as Phillip Vandamm; and Ewan Wardrop as Roger Thornhill.
North by Northwest is a co-production with Wise Children, York Theatre Royal, HOME Manchester and Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse, and is currently on a UK tour.
Emily Sergeant -
10th April 2023 
