Do you do it sitting down or standing up?

[mahlerei]

http://www.theguardian.com/stage/theatreblog/2008/jul/31/standingovation?CMP=share_btn_tw

[richardfinegold]

I have a back problem and need to stand frequently. Most of the standing Os I give are really an excuse to stand and stretch

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

I have a back problem and need to stand frequently. Most of the standing Os I give are really an excuse to stand and stretch

- I wonder if the cast of Gotterdammerung have their suspicions when they get a standing ovation?

I do stand after an exceptionally good performance (the Opera North Gotterdammerung included!) - it's a mark of appreciation, that I think it had been one of those life-enhancing "events". 17th May this year was the last such occasion.

[Serial_Apologist]

I've witnessed many standing ovations given for complacent performances by celebrities in all musical genres.

Audiences can exhibit sheep-like tendencies.

[Zucchini]

Gil Shaham said of the Proms that it was wonderful to see all those people standing before he'd played a single note.

[VodkaDilc]

It's a growing trend, often accompanied with high-pitched yelps from younger female audience members.

I always resist, but problems arise when the view of the performers becomes blocked. Can we return to a situation when such antics were reserved for very special occasions? Even as recently as (one of) Brendel's final performances, I noticed that only a few stood; now it happens for the most mundane of concerts.

Of course staged ovations at political meetings set a bad example.

[gurnemanz]

It's a growing trend, often accompanied with high-pitched yelps from younger female audience members.

I always resist, but problems arise when the view of the performers becomes blocked. Can we return to a situation when such antics were reserved for very special occasions? Even as recently as (one of) Brendel's final performances, I noticed that only a few stood; now it happens for the most mundane of concerts.

Of course staged ovations at political meetings set a bad example.

My sentiments entirely. I always refuse to join in even if my view is blocked. We were at the Barbican the other week and lots of people stood up at the end. It was indeed a very good show and Bernard Haitink is 86 years old but for me it was still not the kind of "special occasion" you mention. To their credit, some standers in front of us did turn round and realise they were blocking the view and then sat down again.

Just as annoying at football matches where people invariably stand up if there is any impending chance of a goal. You then have no choice but to join in the jack-in-a-box routine or miss the important action. Sometimes during slack periods in matches someone will chant (in our case): "Stand up if you love Palace" and then hurl abuse at non-participants as traitors to the cause. At least in the theatre you are only missing the ovation not the action.

[teamsaint]

My sentiments entirely. I always refuse to join in even if my view is blocked. We were at the Barbican the other week and lots of people stood up at the end. It was indeed a very good show and Bernard Haitink is 86 years old but for me it was still not the kind of "special occasion" you mention. To their credit, some standers in front of us did turn round and realise they were blocking the view and then sat down again.

Just as annoying at football matches where people invariably stand up if there is any impending chance of a goal. You then have no choice but to join in the jack-in-a-box routine or miss the important action. Sometimes during slack periods in matches someone will chant (in our case): "Stand up if you love Palace" and then hurl abuse at non-participants as traitors to the cause. At least in the theatre you are only missing the ovation not the action.

.....and you don't get the flag wavers / shoulder sitting cretins/ blockbuster iphone movie makers that bedevil rock/pop/folk festivals.

Are you a member of the " Ultras", at all, Gurney? they do make a fine noise , TBF.

Edit: for all that, it is a very silly article.

( I often stand up in an attempt to combine enthusiastic appreciation with a good getaway position for an early train or quick escape from the car park)

[Serial_Apologist]

.....and you don't get the flag wavers / shoulder sitting cretins/ blockbuster iphone movie makers that bedevil rock/pop/folk festivals.

Are you a member of the " Ultras", at all, Gurney? they do make a fine noise , TBF.

Yes, and when did the inanely irrelevant habit of mass arm waving from side to side over the heads start happening at live rock and pop events, that likewise blocks out views of the stage?

This never happens at jazz events!

[jayne lee wilson]

It's a growing trend, often accompanied with high-pitched yelps from younger female audience members.

I always resist, but problems arise when the view of the performers becomes blocked. Can we return to a situation when such antics were reserved for very special occasions? Even as recently as (one of) Brendel's final performances, I noticed that only a few stood; now it happens for the most mundane of concerts.

Of course staged ovations at political meetings set a bad example.

Don't the young men ever yelp? Are they born with better manners, or just emotionally repressed?

[jean]

My thoughts exactly.

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

As I've said before, tendencies like this just confirm my theory that the human race ia not descended from apes, but from sheep.

[ferneyhoughgeliebte]

As I've said before, tendencies like this just confirm my theory that the human race ia not descended from apes, but from sheep.

How does one agree with such a statement?

[Eine Alpensinfonie]

How does one agree with such a statement?

If you are sheep, you will automatically agree with me, or with someone else who has a stronger influence. If you are not, you will decide for yourself.

[VodkaDilc]

Don't the young men ever yelp? Are they born with better manners, or just emotionally repressed?

I simply report what I have seen. Perhaps men show their enthusiasm in other ways; or perhaps their yelps are lower in pitch so do not carry so gratingly.