Mother and Baby Asked to Leave RSC Tempest After Audience Noise Complaints

1-Minute Brief

The incident has prompted discussion about theatre etiquette and the inclusion of young children at live performances.

Key Facts

• A mother and her baby were asked to leave a Royal Shakespeare Company performance of The Tempest following noise complaints.
• The performance starred Kenneth Branagh as Prospero, marking his return to the RSC after 30 years.
• Audience members reported that the baby's cooing and gurgling disrupted the matinee performance.
• Some theatregoers sought refunds due to the disruption caused during the show.
• The usher escorted the mother and baby out after complaints were raised.

What Happened

During a Royal Shakespeare Company matinee of The Tempest, a mother and her baby were asked to leave after audience members complained about the baby's noises disrupting the performance.

Why It Matters

The event has sparked debate about appropriate audience behavior and the challenges of accommodating families with young children in traditional theatre settings.

What's Next

It is unclear if the RSC will review its policies regarding young children at performances or issue further statements on the incident.