Anti-social behaviour from theatre audiences increasing, union warns

Bectu said workers have suffered more extreme incidents following the pandemic, including physical aggression and sexual harassment.

Theatre workers are suffering from increased anti-social behaviour from audiences, ranging from sexual harassment to physical assaults, new research suggests (Bailey Cooper Photography/Alamy/PA)

Theatre workers are suffering from increased anti-social behaviour from audiences, ranging from sexual harassment to physical assaults, new research suggests.

A survey among 1,500 members of theatre union Bectu indicated that incidents have become more extreme following the pandemic.

Most of those surveyed, mainly working in front of house, hospitality, box office, stage door, sound and lighting, reported having directly experienced or witnessed poor audience behaviour.