‘It’s the theatre not a BBQ!’: Phil Brown slams QPAC ‘slobs’

I went to QPAC last week and was appalled at what I saw, writes arts editor Phil Brown. Shorts, thongs and trackpants have no place in this venue, and the poor dress code is an insult to the performers.

We know people have been dressing down during the pandemic as many worked from home but that’s no excuse for the sloppy dress standard at QPAC last weekend. Just because you wore tracky daks at home for six months doesn’t mean you should wear them out to the theatre. It’s not a Zoom meeting!

At Circa’s show Humans at the Playhouse, QPAC on Friday night the attire worn by patrons was abysmal with a number of blokes turning up in shorts and not dress shorts either. It’s the theatre people not a bloody barbecue! One guy even had on thongs which is pretty well against the QPAC dress code actually which stipulates “while present in the centre you must wear appropriate clothing and footwear at all times”.

Phil Brown. Picture: Ric Frearson

It also suggests that “You must not wear any hat or headwear in any performance location, except headwear that is a recognised part of your religious dress” Which means I guess you can wear a turban but please, don’t come and sit in front of us.

Hollywood royalty in audience for return of Queensland Ballet

I think it would be nice if people ironed their clothing before they stepped out the door.

Half the audience on Friday night looked like they had been sleeping rough but apologies to those who were.

It doesn’t take much to look nice and it would help if you at least brushed your hair (and your teeth) too before you go to the theatre. Try looking in the mirror before stepping out the door. Just a thought.

At the QSO concert on Saturday night things were a bit better but the QSO is kind of asking for trouble with the dress code advice on their website. “Wear whatever you want!” they say. “Some audience members love to dress up while others prefer to come casual. You’ll notice our musicians wear black, but whatever you want to wear is fine with us!”

A packed crowd at Queensland Performing Arts Centre pre COVID.

Now that’s just asking for it and that’s why people turn up wearing jeans and sloppy shirts. Admittedly Circa’s shows are a bit more relaxed which may inspire the kind of dishevelment witnessed last Friday night but the Concert Hall is a special venue and requires more effort I feel. Most people made an effort. A sports jacket and a nice shirt will do it for men and a nice frock or some smart slacks for women. Dr Jeanette Young was there and she looked great although some others who should know better seemed to have made no effort at all. You know who you are! Or do you?

Wearing your trousers hanging down off your bum with no belt is a fail. We really don’t want to see any plumber’s smiles in the foyer at QPAC, unless they are well dressed actual plumbers.

Going out to the theatre is special and it shows respect for the performers if you dress up. How would you feel looking down from the stage and seeing some unshaven guy in shorts and thongs sitting there as if to say : “F--k you, I’m a slob and I’m proud and I’m not dressing up for anyone.”

It doesn’t cost much to dress nicely and it’s a courtesy to yourself and others. Going to the theatre is special and it’s more fun if everyone makes an effort. Maybe QPAC could hire some dress code police, a few security staff with those big hooks so they can cull the crowd as they go in and send people home to get dressed properly. Just a thought.