In reaction to Alison Hammond’s apologies for’making light’ of a restriction on singing in theatres during an edition of This Morning, Dame Arlene Phillips has urged for reform.
Alison turned to Twitter on Easter Sunday (April 9) after getting widespread criticism for statements she made on the ITV daytime programme during a debate about whether audience members should be allowed to sing along at jukebox musicals while cast members perform.
The presenter, who sat alongside colleagues Dermot O’Leary and Vanessa Feltz, said at the time that she was ‘devastated’ to hear singing was not encouraged in a conversation that theatre professionals branded ‘incredibly stupid’ after they all agreed the request during a production of The Bodyguard currently playing in Manchester was over-the-top.
What happened next was considerably more than a few tweets, as police were summoned to Manchester’s Palace Theatre on Friday when a “mini-riot” broke out during the same show, with reports of two disruptive women being taken out.
Dame Arlene, 79, took to Twitter to express her feelings. She accepted Alison’s apology, but she believes it is only the beginning.
‘Alison thank you for your apology but I would just like to say, you have no idea what it is really like for those performers in the shows where the songs are popular hits and certain members of the audience feel entitled to join in’, the choreographer began.
‘Performers are unsure what to do,’ argued the original Strictly Come Dancing judge.
‘They are not trained when audiences get out of control and arguing with each other. It’s so distressing.’
‘Let’s hope this behaviour stops and normality returns’, she concluded.
The former I’m A Celebrity campmate received a wealth of support, with one Twitter user hailing her ‘a voice of reason’.
‘Well done to Alison to admit she was wrong x just hope this doesn’t happen again for everyone’s sake’, another replied.
Alison’s original statement read: ‘After reflection and the comments I made on Wednesday’s show I want to apologise to anyone who I offended especially the incredibly talented theatre performers, who I have the utmost respect for.
‘I had no idea the level of disruption audiences were causing and tried to make light of the topic on Wednesday’s show, and for that I’m truly sorry.’
She added: ‘I am a great supporter of theatre and the arts and would never sing at the top of my lungs at any performance, I was wrong in what I said and I’ve given this a lot of thought over the past few days and believe I was wrong.
‘On Thursday evening I attended a performance of the GBBO the musical which I absolutely loved and gave a standing ovation, theatre is a magical experience for me and my family.’
The 48-year-old concluded: ‘I want to use my platform for good as always and want to stand up with the performers, front of house and theatre staff especially after seeing what happened at The Bodyguard in Manchester, which has made me sick to my stomach.
‘Once again I am truly sorry but trust me I will do better in the future.’
Dermot, a co-presenter, also added his own comment, advising anyone who have an opinion to make sure they understand the entire tale.
The former X Factor host, 49, penned: ‘Could I politely urge anyone passing judgement on the clip to watch the whole interview… as I was actually arguing AGAINST people singing too loudly in theatres.’
‘Nothing but love and respect for those treading the boards,’ added the radio broadcaster.