Tap your toes, but keep your mouth shut, children told

Children have been told to zip it at the Bluey’s Big Play concert. Do you agree with those calling the rule “absolutely ridiculous”? TAKE OUR POLL

Those who have bought tickets to Bluey’s Big Play – the Stage Show musical might have noted a new COVID-safe direction, believed to have come from SA Health, banning singing at the show.

So we’re guessing you’ll have to tell your toddlers not to cry and to keep their mouths closed if they have a meltdown during the performance – and no excited squeals when they see their favourite cartoon characters come to life at Her Majesty’s Theatre.

The behaviour instructions issued with tickets for this week’s show state: “Due to COVID-19 restrictions, audience sing-a-longs are not permitted. Humming is allowed, but please refrain from singing. Instead, sit back, enjoy the music, and tap your toes!”

Mother Ebbony Darkins said she would attend with two children on Saturday night.

“Considering what is going on with COVID-19 I was not surprised but I have had a couple of friends who are outraged. These are the times we are living in,’’ she said.

“But is it going to be hard to stop my five-year-old daughter from singing, and I don’t know how I am going to stop her ‘what do you mean I can’t sing’ they will be saying.”

The general public overwhelmingly rejected the ban in an Advertiser online poll today - you can vote in the poll above.

There has also been a strong reaction to the measure on The Advertiser’s Facebook page.

Laura Brooke-Smith commented: “Absolutely ridiculous. I can’t believe this is true.”

Monica Haaja said “What are they gonna do? Kick the offending kids out and then have

kiddy tantrums all over the place??!”

While Leigh Clark said: “Good luck telling my 4 year old about covid regulations”.

Howard Bartlett said: “I think they can do what they like for $50 a ticket”.

Theatre management deferred questions to SA Health.

An SA Health spokeswoman said the rule was a guideline during the pandemic and applied to all “large groups”.

“It’s great to see businesses implementing measures to protect their patrons and the South Australian community from the spread of COVID-19,’’ the spokeswoman said.

“Health guidelines recommend singing in large groups should be avoided, as this increases the distance that droplets can travel.”

In the case of the play, the singing ban is designed to stop yelling children spraying potentially COVID-19 infected droplets on the audience immediately in front of them.

Bluey's Big Play The Stage Show at QPAC Brisbane, Tuesday, December 22, 2020 – Picture: Richard Walker

Children in the audience will not be required to wear a mask, the primary means of preventing infection but: “All patrons aged 12 and over must wear a face mask inside the building, including during the performance. This is a requirement under the current South Australian state direction.”

Bluey’s Big Play is a theatrical puppet adaptation of the BBC children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey’s creator Joe Brumm and composer, Joff Bush.

Her Majesty’s Theatre has been contacted for comment.

What do you think of the Ban? Take our Poll above and leave your comments below …

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