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Trigger warnings at Christmas? Oh yes there are!
It may be the panto season of fun and laughter in theatres nationwide but there is no peace from the woke warriors.
Take their caution over the works of Charles Dickens.
Families about to enjoy a production of that most quintessential of Yuletide favourites A Christmas Carol, at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, were left bemused at the sobering warning that the show contains a ‘portrayal of ghosts’.
The venue warns there will be ‘moments of mild shock and tension surrounding the appearance and disappearance of the Ghosts (visually represented)’ and ‘Death (implied)’.
The production, which is on till January 10, is based on Dickens’ 1843 novel in which elderly miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the chained ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet to Come.
Just as socially aware is a festive offering of Dickens’ classic Oliver Twist at Derby Theatre, where bosses felt it necessary to warn audiences that the show grapples with the reality of Victorian life.
Those looking to buy a ticket are told: ‘In keeping with Dickens’ 19th Century novel, this production reflects the social challenges and attitudes of the time.
Bosses at Derby Theatre felt it necessary to warn audiences that Oliver Twist grapples with the reality of Victorian life
A trigger warning from the theatre states that the Dickens novel reflects 'the social challenges and attitudes of the time'
Families about to enjoy a production of A Christmas Carol at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre were warned the show contains a ‘portrayal of ghosts’.
It includes difficult themes – such as poverty, crime and the exploitation of vulnerable children – which are portrayed with care and a commitment to authenticity.’
Even the London Palladium, where the biggest stars like Frank Sinatra played, is not immune from political correctness.
Those booking Sleeping Beauty, with Julian Clary, Catherine Tate and Nigel Havers, would surely hope for the most smut-laden performance of the season.
But the venue feels its necessary to warn families that there will be ‘innuendo’ in the panto.
At the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham, Robin Hood and His Merry Men are bringing festive cheer to theatregoers. Yet they are warned: ‘Panto is a lot of fun but sometimes it can be a little loud and a little bit cheeky with some jokes that only grown-ups will understand.
‘Please bear this in mind if you are bringing anyone under the age of five, or anyone with a nervous or more sensitive disposition.’
Behind you? If only these warnings were...
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