There has been an almighty storm on social media, after Alison Hammond made some choice comments during a This Morning debate.
The presenter, 48, was hosting ITV’s morning show with 49-year-old co-host Dermot O’Leary when a debate over singing in theater broke out.
Alison Hammond: This morning’s debate sparks controversy
The debate arose over news that a theater in Manchester was preventing audiences from singing Whitney Houston tunes in a production of The Bodyguard.
Alison said she “couldn’t believe” the theater wanted to stop the audience from singing.
“I would be devastated!” she says. “I wouldn’t even go to that production now.”
Guest Vanessa Feltz accepted.
“Isn’t the point of going to a musical to sing along to all the tunes you know?” she asked. “Isn’t that what everyone does? And very, very strong while eating ice cream?
This morning’s debate: response from viewers
However, not everyone agreed with Alison and Vanessa’s position. Things started to heat up on Twitter, as artists slammed their comments.
“Please never sing with me, ever,” musical theater performer Amber Davies said.
“Singing is NOT the purpose of a musical,” agreed John Barrowman. “People pay to hear the performers sing, not the person or group next to them.
“And why are you laughing at that!!! It’s insulting to anyone who works in musical theatre.
pls don’t sing with me, ever…. thank you xxxx https://t.co/NstzwO1zbK
— Amber Davies (@Amber_Davies7) April 7, 2023
Wicked actress Alice Fearn added: “That’s so incredibly stupid. Who the hell do you think you are? If you want that…go to karaoke. I’m totally pissed.
Even theatergoers in general expressed their displeasure with the debate on This Morning.
It’s incredibly stupid. Who the hell do you think you are?
“I personally think it’s an extremely disrespectful thing to sing out loud in a show,” one person said. “Those on stage worked their whole lives to get on stage, while others paid money to hear them, not some horrible karaoke version.”
“I’ve been going to the theater since I was a kid,” said a second. “Theater etiquette has always been not to sing until the encore when invited. Why are you talking about this like it’s a new, silly little thing? Go to the panto if you want to sing.
Learn more: This Morning announces yet another reshuffle of its presenters next week and fans are thrilled
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