Fight at the Opera! American tourists at the Proms spark an argument after eating loud snacks like popcorn during the performance at the Royal Albert Hall
- The argument broke out during a performance of Dialogues des Carmélites
A row erupted at the Proms after a man “outrageously insulted” an American tourist who was eating popcorn during a performance, according to witnesses.
The altercation occurred on Monday during a performance of Francis Poulenc’s “Dialogues des Carmélites” at the Royal Albert Hall, after a man allegedly started kicking the chairs of tourists who were eating “loud” and “smelly” popcorn .
Jessica Duchen, a classical music critic and novelist, told The Times, “At the end of the line were two American tourists eating popcorn.”
“I couldn’t hear or smell it, but there was a guy behind them who was incredibly insulting.” “We thought he might have a knife pointed at her.”
According to the venue, the American tourists and the man were spaced apart during the break.
The altercation happened during a performance of Francis Poulenc’s Dialogues des Carmélites at the Royal Albert Hall (pictured).
One concert-goer wrote on Facebook: “WTF, is the Royal Albert Hall selling POPCORN during the Proms?” Engaged in a near fight at 1pm tonight. Ruined the first half of a superlative evening.’
The Royal Albert Hall has been selling popcorn since 2014 and claims it has done so “without protest”.
But Ms Duchen wrote on Twitter: “Please please please stop selling popcorn.” It’s loud, smelly, obtrusive and totally inappropriate at a concert, causing violent arguments in the audience that ruin the evening for everyone. Not what you want in Dialogues des Carnélites.’
James Ainscough, chief executive of the Royal Albert Hall, said: “Since 2014 we have been selling small packets of popcorn in our bars without protest, along with chips and sweets.”
“At a prom on Monday, two spectators exchanged words and both parties then asked to be moved, which was agreed, but the incident appears to have been disproportionately hyped on social media.”
“Different people enjoy different shows in different ways, so we always hope that viewers will be considerate of those around them and speak politely to one another.”
“We will continue to monitor the situation as we want everyone to enjoy this fantastic Proms season to the fullest.”