There is no place for homophobia in theatre

There has been much discussion in recent years about the decline in audience behaviour – particularly in the wake of the pandemic lockdowns – but this issue is categorically different from the other incidents that have been widely reported. This is not just a case of unruly behaviour or a lack of theatre etiquette. This is hate.

There is no grey area here. Homophobic abuse is not just unacceptable – it is hate speech. It is a crime, and it has no place in theatres or anywhere else in society.

In both of these cases, the theatres in question took swift and decisive action by ejecting the offending audience members. In Liverpool, the behaviour was reported to the police – a crucial step in ensuring that such actions have real consequences.

This is precisely the right course of action and it is a model that should be followed by all venues facing similar incidents. There can be no room for hesitation or equivocation. Offenders should be removed from the premises immediately and, just as we have seen in football stadiums where similar incidents have occurred, they should also be banned from returning.

LGBT+ performers, theatre staff and audiences must feel safe – without exception. Theatres must remain spaces of acceptance, not places where bigotry is allowed to fester unchecked.

As the statement issued by Liverpool’s Royal Court so aptly puts it: “We all deserve to feel safe, respected, and valued, regardless of who we love or how we identify.”