“Ushers allowed latecomers to disturb a full house as they pushed past seated patrons to find their seats well after the performance had commenced.”
Clive Hodges isn't the only person who has experienced the annoyance of latecomers to a performance – a film, theatre production, dance recital and any other seated, ticketed event. Who hasn't groaned when someone comes in late? Who hasn't uttered under their breath – especially when toes are stepped on. But we seldom do much about it. Clive did. He wrote a letter to our editor, which has prompted this story.
I attended 'The Sleeping Beaut'y danced by Queensland Ballet last Saturday (24 October) at 1.30 pm. A commendable performance of world standard.
My ticket clearly stated: please note lockout period applies.
I assumed when the curtain went up and the dancing started, patrons would not be admitted. They would be allowed into the sound-proof room at the back with the large picture window and, during interval, escorted to their seats in the auditorium.
On Saturday, ushers allowed latecomers to disturb a full house as they pushed past seated patrons to find their seats well after the performance had commenced. Over to my left, a confusion erupted when people were found to be seated in their incorrect seats and the latecomers wanted those seats.
Latecomers should not be permitted to disturb those of us who make sure we arrive well before a performance begins.
– Clive Hodges
My ticket clearly stated: please note lockout period applies.
I assumed when the curtain went up and the dancing started, patrons would not be admitted. They would be allowed into the sound-proof room at the back with the large picture window and, during interval, escorted to their seats in the auditorium.
On Saturday, ushers allowed latecomers to disturb a full house as they pushed past seated patrons to find their seats well after the performance had commenced. Over to my left, a confusion erupted when people were found to be seated in their incorrect seats and the latecomers wanted those seats.
Latecomers should not be permitted to disturb those of us who make sure we arrive well before a performance begins.
– Clive Hodges
A spokesperson from Queensland Performing Arts Centre who read Clive's letter says their staff are directed to only allow patrons access at set intervals.
A lockout period means latecomers are not permitted to enter the theatre for a set period of time due to a potential disruption, usually at the beginning of a performance or an act. Most ticketed events in QPAC's theatres will have a lockout period apply and as such all QPAC tickets advise that a lockout period may apply.
A lockout period is set by the Producers of any given event, in this case Queensland Ballet, and the length of lockout period often varies between events. QPAC’s team of ushers are directed to only allow patrons into the theatre after the set lockout period and all patrons who are locked out are allowed to enter the theatre at this time.
At this particular matinee performance on Saturday there were more than usual patrons (approximately 30) locked out and we understand this was due to unexpected delays caused by a protest and responsive police and road management in the cultural precinct.
We certainly understand that in this instance the late arrivals would have been more noticeable to audiences in the theatre given the volume of people who were unable to get to the performance on time due to these unforeseen circumstances.
– QPAC spokesperson
A lockout period is set by the Producers of any given event, in this case Queensland Ballet, and the length of lockout period often varies between events. QPAC’s team of ushers are directed to only allow patrons into the theatre after the set lockout period and all patrons who are locked out are allowed to enter the theatre at this time.
At this particular matinee performance on Saturday there were more than usual patrons (approximately 30) locked out and we understand this was due to unexpected delays caused by a protest and responsive police and road management in the cultural precinct.
We certainly understand that in this instance the late arrivals would have been more noticeable to audiences in the theatre given the volume of people who were unable to get to the performance on time due to these unforeseen circumstances.
– QPAC spokesperson
Most of the time the excuse is because they're running late, they didn't allow enough time for traffic. As Carl Barron says, 'who doesn't think there's going to be any traffic?'. Or they get lost on the way to the theatre. Though there are rare occasions where it's no one's fault. Ultimately it doesn't matter why patrons are late. People who are seated and waiting should not be inconvenienced by others who aren't, and venues can't get in the business of determining fault.
The issue is, if a lockout period is advertised, why isn't it enforced?We approached Queensland Ballet for comment.
