Why are British audiences suddenly so out of control?

FromToday in Focus

Start listening View podcast show

Why are British audiences suddenly so out of control?

FromToday in Focus

ratings:

Length:

26 minutes

Released:

Apr 17, 2023

Format:

Podcast episode

Description

From fights at the Bodyguard musical to wild drunken antics at comedy clubs and even heckling at the opera, performers and theatre staff say crowds are getting out of hand. What’s going on?. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/infocus

Released:

Apr 17, 2023

Format:

Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Hosted by Anushka Asthana and Rachel Humphreys, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday

Skip carousel

Sudan’s warring generals: Fighting Sudan is continuing despite an internationally brokered truce. At the heart of the conflict is a power struggle between two powerful generals in a country permanently in the grip of its military. Nesrine Malik reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
The court case pushing Indian democracy to the brink – podcast: Critics have long accused Narendra Modi of eroding the world’s biggest democracy. Now, ahead of next year’s general election, his main political rival could be jailed – for defaming everyone with the name Modi. What’s going on? by Today in Focus
32 min listen
The ‘nice, ordinary’ family suspected of being Russian spies: When a new couple and their children moved into a sleepy suburb of Slovenia’s capital, their neighbours thought they seemed very normal. But were they really who they seemed? by Today in Focus
33 min listen
Cost of the crown part 3: the hidden history of the monarchy and slavery: Documents recently unearthed by historians have shown how the British royal family had ties to transatlantic slavery. Maeve McClenaghan reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Cost of the crown part 2: Duchies, diamonds and Dalis: Maeve McClenaghan sets off to uncover what is held by the crown and what belongs to the royal family privately by Today in Focus
38 min listen
Investigating alleged sexual misconduct at the CBI | podcast: Police have launched an investigation into alleged sexual misconduct at the Confederation of British Industry in the wake of a recent Guardian investigation. Anna Isaac reports by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Xi Jinping and the battle over China’s memory of the Cultural Revolution: Mao’s Cultural Revolution pitted children against their parents and tore at the fabric of China’s society. It’s vital to the understanding of China today, says Red Memory author Tania Branigan by Today in Focus
31 min listen
Hosting Ukraine’s Eurovision party: Hannah Moore reports from Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena where Britain is preparing to host the Eurovision song contest on behalf of last year’s winners Ukraine by Today in Focus
34 min listen
Is artificial intelligence getting out of control?: Hundreds of tech industry leaders have signed a letter proposing a six-month pause on the development of systems more powerful than OpenAI’s GPT-4. Alex Hern reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Cost of the crown part 1: valuing the royal family: Maeve McClenaghan sets off on the trail to uncover how much public money is spent on the royal family – and what they do in return by Today in Focus
33 min listen
Did distress calls go unanswered in the run-up to a fatal Channel disaster?: In November 2021 a dinghy crossing from France to the UK overturned, and at least 27 people drowned. Questions are being asked over whether distress calls were effectively ignored in run-up to worst Channel disaster in 30 years by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Prince Harry and the return of the phone hacking scandal: This week, Prince Harry’s case over alleged phone hacking by the publisher of the Sun and News of the World reached the high court. Jim Waterson reports by Today in Focus
31 min listen
Why has the Labour party turned nasty?: The party’s latest ad campaign launches personal attacks on Rishi Sunak. What’s behind its new ruthless approach? by Today in Focus
27 min listen
‘Peace babies’ and the birth of the Good Friday agreement: The generation born after the deal which brought peace to Northern Ireland are continuing to reckon with their inheritance. A mother and daughter explain what it means to them by Today in Focus
41 min listen
Erdoğan survives, but will Turkish democracy?: Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the president of Turkey, has moulded the country in his image during his two decades in power. Now he faces a run-off election to stay in power by Today in Focus
32 min listen
Cost of the crown part 5: the coronation of Charles III: Charles III will be crowned in Westminster Abbey on Saturday in a ceremony steeped in centuries of history. Jonathan Freedland examines what the event means to the modern-day UK by Today in Focus
35 min listen
Why ‘godfather of AI’ Geoffrey Hinton thinks humanity at crossroads: In an interview with the Guardian’s Alex Hern, Hinton says he now fears the advances he helped usher in could pose an existential threat to humankind by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Why are British audiences suddenly so out of control?: From fights at the Bodyguard musical to wild drunken antics at comedy clubs and even heckling at the opera, performers and theatre staff say crowds are getting out of hand. What’s going on? by Today in Focus
26 min listen
Is the UK in the grip of ‘greedflation’?: Prices in the UK are continuing to rise on everything from groceries to energy bills and mortgage costs. Meanwhile, some companies are reporting record profits. Richard Partington reports by Today in Focus
27 min listen
A bullying politician or snowflake civil servants? The downfall of Dominic Raab: The former deputy prime minister may have resigned but he remains defiant after an inquiry into bullying allegations. What does the scandal tell us about the relationship between ministers and Whitehall? by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Tracking down Ukraine’s abducted children: How did tens of thousands of Ukrainian children end up in Russian re-education camps? Peter Beaumont reports by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Why are London’s schools disappearing?: London schools in areas such as Lambeth and Camden are having to close their doors as pupils leave. Why are numbers dropping so fast – and why does it matter so much? by Today in Focus
30 min listen
How to develop artificial super-intelligence without destroying humanity: Sam Altman, the founder of the revolutionary application Chat-GPT, is touring Europe with a message: AI is changing the world and there are big risks, but also big potential rewards by Today in Focus
34 min listen
Cost of the crown part 4: calculating the king’s wealth by Today in Focus
37 min listen
Can Imran Khan really take on the Pakistani army and win?: The former prime minister has blamed the country’s powerful military for his arrest last week, and his supporters have attacked military buildings. With Khan’s home surrounded by police yesterday, has he picked a battle he’s destined to lose? by Today in Focus
34 min listen
Sofas, smiles – and scandal: what’s going on at ITV’s This Morning?: It’s been a fixture on British TV screens for decades – as has one of its hosts, Phillip Schofield. But now This Morning is in turmoil after he admitted to an ‘unwise, but not illegal’ workplace relationship by Today in Focus
25 min listen
Are we facing a summer of sporting protests?: High-profile protests at the Grand National and the World Snooker Championships have made headlines. The London Marathon could be next by Today in Focus
30 min listen
The killing of Shireen Abu Akleh – and another ordinary day in the West Bank: A year ago the journalist was shot. It was not the only news story in Palestine that day. Kaamil Ahmed looks into the stories Abu Akleh never got to report by Today in Focus
34 min listen
The Pentagon leaks: how did US security files end up on Discord? – podcast: Earlier this year, hundreds of top secret Pentagon documents were posted on the social media platform Discord. Manisha Ganguly and Julian Borger report by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Funding, forensics – and a fridge freezer? The investigation into the SNP: Just a few months ago the SNP, with Nicola Sturgeon at the helm, looked almost untouchable. Now a fraud investigation into the party has caused that image to dramatically unravel by Today in Focus
32 min listen

More Episodes from Today in Focus

Skip carousel

Escaping Rafah: on the ground in Gaza’s last refuge: We hear from two Palestinians living in tents in the city of Rafah. As the threat of an Israeli invasion hangs over them, they decide whether to stay or leave by Today in Focus
24 min listen
The London Bridge ‘hero’ who could go to prison for 99 years podcast: In 2019, ex-offender Marc Conway helped hold down a knifeman who killed two people in a terror attack. But by doing so he risked being recalled to prison. Simon Hattenstone reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Non-doms are threatening to leave. Should they be convinced to stay?: Multi-millionaire Bassim Haidar says ending the non-dom tax status is a mistake. He plans to leave the UK and says other non-doms will do the same. Should the government change their mind? by Today in Focus
21 min listen
How do we protect teenagers from sextortion scams?: Murray Dowey, a 16-year-old from Dunblane, was targeted by a sextortion scammer in the hours before he took his own life. Now his parents are raising awareness of this increasingly prevalent crime. Libby Brooks reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Politics Weekly Westminster: local elections special: In the first of our Politics Weekly Westminster episodes, the Guardian’s political editor Pippa Crerar and political correspondent Kiran Stacey go over the big wins and losses from the local and mayoral elections by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Are we on the brink of a ceasefire deal for Gaza? Podcast: With the threat of famine and the invasion of Rafah looming over Gaza, the leaders of Israel and Hamas are discussing a ceasefire deal. Julian Borger reports by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Has Elon Musk driven Tesla off track?: The electric carmaker’s Cybertruck was recalled last month after safety concerns emerged over the accelerator pedal. Kari Paul reports by Today in Focus
24 min listen
Is Labour about to win a local election landslide?: Councillors, mayors and police commissioners across England and Wales are facing voters this week. What’s at stake? Helen Pidd reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf resigns: On Monday, Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf announced his resignation. What does this mean for the Scottish National party? Severin Carrell and Libby Brooks report by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Have open marriages gone mainstream?: From therapy sessions to bookshelves, interest in non-monogamous relationships seem to be soaring by Today in Focus
26 min listen
The US college protests and the crackdown on campuses: Police have arrested dozens of students across US universities this week after a crackdown on pro-Palestine protests on campuses. Erum Salam and Margaret Sullivan report from New York by Today in Focus
29 min listen
What Ukraine needs to change the course of the war: Ukraine has been granted a multibillion-dollar lifeline in military aid. But it will need more than that to prevail in the conflict with Russia. Dan Sabbagh in Kyiv and Shaun Walker report by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Could a row over a council house bring down Angela Rayner? – podcast: Keir Starmer’s deputy is facing questions over the sale of her former home. But do voters care? Gaby Hinsliff reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Sudan’s forgotten war: While conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine have captured global attention, the civil war in Sudan has been largely ignored. That can’t be allowed to continue, says the Guardian’s Nesrine Malik by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Where does the Cass report leave trans teenagers?: Dr Hilary Cass’s review of NHS gender identity services has been published. Amelia Gentleman reports on what it means for children at the centre of it all by Today in Focus
37 min listen
The chilling policy to cut Greenland’s high birth rate: In the 1960s the birthrate in Greenland was one of the world’s highest. Then it plunged. Women are now speaking out about what happened by Today in Focus
31 min listen
Can Rishi Sunak create a smoke-free generation?: MPs voted this week to ban anyone aged 15 or younger in 2024 from buying cigarettes. If the legislation passes and is enacted, it would be a world first. Ben Quinn reports by Today in Focus
24 min listen
Liz Truss and her plan to ‘save the west’: Liz Truss is back – kind of. The former PM of just 49 days has published a book, Ten Years to Save the West. The Guardian’s political correspondent Eleni Courea and breaking news correspondent Martin Pengelly discuss her seeming lack of regret by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Is the Middle East on the brink? podcast: After Iran launched an attack on Israel, is the region heading for all-out war? Emma Graham-Harrison reports by Today in Focus
25 min listen
How Swiss women won a landmark climate case for Europe: Last week a group of older women successfully challenged the Swiss government’s climate policies at the European court of human rights. Isabella Kaminski reports by Today in Focus
26 min listen
Why are so many carers being prosecuted by the UK government?: George Henderson was convicted of fraud and had to repay £19,000 in carer’s allowance years after ticking the wrong box. Patrick Butler looks at why thousands face similar prosecutions by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Stormy Daniels, Donald Trump, and the start of the hush money trial: Hugo Lowell talks through the law and the politics of a case starting this Monday against Donald Trump – the first ever criminal trial of a former or sitting US president by Today in Focus
27 min listen
Profits over pipes: who should own our water?: Thames Water owes hundreds of millions of pounds in debt, and the UK government is concerned about its potential collapse. Helena Horton reports by Today in Focus
26 min listen
The devil walking on Earth part 2: Annie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence by Today in Focus
23 min listen
The devil walking on Earth: part 1: Annie Kelly reports on the story of Sosa Henkoma, who was exploited by drug gangs as a child and now mentors young people at risk of gang violence by Today in Focus
30 min listen
Should the UK stop arming Israel?: The killing of six international aid workers and their Palestinian driver this week has brought new scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in its war in Gaza. Peter Beaumont and Patrick Wintour examine the growing backlash by Today in Focus
29 min listen
Scotland’s new hate crime law: The Scottish government has introduced a hate crime law that broadens protections for marginalised groups but critics say it limits freedom of speech. Libby Brooks reports by Today in Focus
28 min listen
Israel divided: Netanyahu’s coalition crisis: A cabinet split over military service and protests demanding the release of hostages are threatening the PM’s grip on power, Bethan McKernan reports by Today in Focus
25 min listen
What is Reddit really worth?: The popular social media site has never made a profit and relies on an army of unpaid moderators to keep order. So what difference will a stock market listing make? Alex Hern reports by Today in Focus
29 min listen
The birdwatcher fighting racism in public spaces - Podcast: Christian Cooper went viral after filming a white woman threatening him. Now he is using his platform to share his passion for nature by Today in Focus
28 min listen

Related podcast episodes

Skip carousel

Fed Up Just Like a Kardashian (Airdate 7.17.2020): Ryely Starts Cosmetology School. How Many Hot Dogs Can a Human Actually Eat? Queen Giggles on Zoom Calls. Morons in the News. Everyone Needs a Laugh. Shark Tank. The People’s Movie Critic: “Greyhound” Lamar Heads to the Beach with Loony. The Song... by Bob & Sheri
92 min listen
Episode 99 - Repo! The Genetic Opera by Hey, Did You See This One?
179 min listen
Episode 78 - Life in the Time of Coronavirus by Hideaway Circus Podcast
30 min listen
Masterclass in filmmaking: From Theatre to Film with Allelujah, Notes on a Scandal and Iris director and writer Richard Eyre: How to stradle the world of film, theatre and TV with Richard Eyre by The Filmmakers Podcast
59 min listen
#43: Theater Ventilation Ornery by The Word Association
61 min listen
BroadwayCon Live: Tony-nominee L Morgan Lee, Linedy Genao & Taylor Haven Holt on Kinder Rehearsals: BroadwayCon: Tony-nominee L Morgan Lee, Bad Cinderella's Linedy Genao and Back to the Future's Taylor Haven Holt. by The Art of Kindness with Robert Peterpaul
63 min listen
Extra From ‘Aria Code’: The shattered illusions of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly: The aria "Un bel dì vedremo " captures Butterfly's unwavering faith in her reunion with her American husband and her unflagging desire for a better life. by Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen
34 min listen
Episode 86 - Auditions: The Good, The Bad, The Hilarious! by Little Known Facts with Ilana Levine
45 min listen
Gig-ifying Hollywood with Hari Kondabolu & Paris Marx (Ep 190) by The Bitchuation Room
98 min listen
MH: Undergrad - Ep 32. Freshman's End by The Fantasy Fantasia Podcast
66 min listen
Horror Musicals: Repo! The Genetic Opera (2008) by Nightmare on Film Street - A Horror Movie Podcast
35 min listen
Legends 17: Haunted Bridges: Bridges help us span uncrossable gaps in our world. But according to legend, a few go further, helping connect the living to the dead. Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by Harry Marks and research by Cassandra de Alba. ... by Lore
26 min listen
Bonus - Actors Jordan Barbour & Daniel Parker - Part 1: Actors Jordan Barbour and Daniel Parker talk about the challenges and rewards of finding a home in the theater, the meaning of generosity on stage, what makes Shakespeare relevant today and how important it is to spread the love! by Play On Podcasts
11 min listen
Bonus - Armando Riesco and Zabryna Guevara on playing Macbeth and Lady Macbeth: This bonus interview features a discussion with the leading actors Armando Riesco (Macbeth) and Zabryna Guevara (Lady Macbeth) in the Play On Podcasts Series: "Macbeth". by Play On Podcasts
9 min listen
Really Awful Movies: Ep 81b – Evil Dead: The Musical, an interview with co-creator Chris Bond: Since it took to the stage in 2003, Evil Dead: The Musical has been a smash hit. On this episode of the podcast, we have a special Evil Dead: The Musical giveaway, two tickets to a Toronto performance of the hit show, February 17, by The Really Awful Movies Podcast
20 min listen
"The Actress" (Katrina Rose Diderikson): A tragic and hideous tale of an actress navigating a path through a dangerous obstacle course of high-belting and tasteless riffing. Joe's lifelong collaborator Katrina Rose Diderikson expertly acts her way in and out of this epic story-song which is both critical of and complicit in our current musical theater vocal landscape. by ALBUM PODCAST with Joe Iconis and Jennifer Ashley Tepper
18 min listen
Evil Dead the Musical: A Bloody Adventure (WitW S2E2): The Behind the Scenes Story by Wait in the Wings
36 min listen
132 - Laetitia Dosch, Rik Carranza & Ari Shaffir Interviews: Lee Hutchison is joined for interviews and conversations with an incredible diverse range of talent and performers who have come to Edinburgh for the largest arts festival in the world. (01:25) Laetita Dosch French actress Laetitia Dosch speaks... by Filibuster
41 min listen
MH: Undergrad - Ep 23 Confessions & Convictions by The Fantasy Fantasia Podcast
45 min listen
Bonus - Actors Jordan Barbour & Daniel Parker - Part 2: Actors Jordan Barbour and Daniel Parker talk about the challenges and rewards of finding a home in the theater, the meaning of generosity on stage, what makes Shakespeare relevant today and how important it is to spread the love! by Play On Podcasts
8 min listen
Shakespeare's Shitstorm (2020) | Ripe Reviews by Movie Dumpster
34 min listen
DRACULA, A COMEDY OF TERRORS - A Post Show Analysis: Unearthing Laughter in Shadows: A Deep Dive into Modernization, Performance, and Comedy in the Gothic Classic by Half Hour with Jeff & Richie (Post-Show Broadway Discussions and Interviews)
33 min listen
Ep. 341 - Food Will Find A Way by CANADALAND
35 min listen
Ep#53 - Richard Elfman & Anastasia Elfman (Forbidden Zone 1 & 2 / Hipsters, Gangsters, Aliens and Geeks): The Boo Crew takes you on a journey to the 6th Dimension with creative geniuses Richard and Anastasia Elfman! Hear about the origins of The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo and how it gave rise to the defining and defying cinematic adventure,... by The Boo Crew
67 min listen
Rachel Parris by Out To Lunch with Ade Edmondson
36 min listen
Live-streaming for Artists with Katie Hawthorne: Katie Hawthorne is a music journalist and a PhD student, researching how digital tools shape liveness in performance. Xandra talks with her about the hierarchical live-stream economy, what makes theatre magical, and how to support musicians and theatre makers. by The Art Life
60 min listen
16: Weaver vs. Wyrm: who is the real threat? by Rage Across the Internet: A Werewolf the Apocalypse Podcast
68 min listen
Swings and Understudies - The Unsung Heroes of the Dance World by Making The Impact - A Dance Competition Podcast
74 min listen
NOISES OFF! w/ Adam Elsberry: "All these DOORS!" It's a gut-busting, pants-dro… by Broadway Breakdown
113 min listen
18: Penumbra: Umbra 101, Intro to the Umbra by Rage Across the Internet: A Werewolf the Apocalypse Podcast
74 min listen

Discover this podcast and so much more

Why are British audiences suddenly so out of control?

Why are British audiences suddenly so out of control?

Description

Titles in the series (100)

More Episodes from Today in Focus

Related podcast episodes