Fight in the Opera! US tourists at the Proms spark a fight after munching on noisy snacks, including popcorn, during performances at the Royal Albert Hall
Fight in the Opera! US tourists at the Proms spark a fight after munching on noisy snacks, including popcorn, during performances at the Royal Albert Hall
- Tourists were eating ‘noisy’ popcorn at a performance of Dialogues des Carmélite
According to witnesses, American tourists who ate ‘noisy’ popcorn at a Proms performance caused a ‘near fight’.
The altercation took place during a performance by Dialogues des Carmélites by Francis Poulenc at the Royal Albert Hall on Monday, as the tourists began munching on popcorn.
Jessica Duchen, a classical music critic and novelist, told The Times: At the end of the line were a few American tourists munching on popcorn.
“I couldn’t hear or smell it, but behind them was a man who was incredibly insulting to them. We thought he was going to pull a knife at them.’
According to the location, the American tourists and the man were separated during the break.
The altercation took place during a performance of Dialogues des Carmélites by Francis Poulenc at the Royal Albert Hall (pictured)
One concertgoer wrote on Facebook: ‘WTF is the Royal Albert Hall selling POPCORN at the Proms? Involved in a near fight over one tonight. Ruined the first half of a superlative evening.’
But the Royal Albert Hall has been selling “packs” of popcorn “without protest” since 2014, according to its CEO.
Ms Duchen wrote on Twitter: ‘Please, please, please stop selling popcorn. It’s noisy, smelly, intrusive and completely inappropriate for a concert and causes big rows in the audience, ruining the evening for everyone. Not what you want in Dialogues des Carnélites.’
James Ainscough, Chief Executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said: ‘We have been selling small packets of popcorn, crisps and sweets in our bars without protest since 2014.
Some words were exchanged between two spectators at a ball on Monday, and both parties then asked for chairs to be moved, which was agreed, but the incident appears to have been blown out of proportion on social media.
“Different people enjoy different shows in different ways, so we always hope that the spectators are considerate of those around them and are polite when they talk to each other.
“We will continue to monitor the situation as we want everyone to enjoy this great Proms season to the fullest.”