Theatregoers given trigger warning over 'sound of people eating oranges'

Theatregoers for an upcoming London show have been given a trigger warning over the sound of people eating on stage.

Sadler’s Wells, Britain’s leading dance company, has warned ticket holders for the two performances of OUT at Lilian Baylis Studio in Finsbury later this month may find the noise “uncomfortable”.

OUT is advertised as a musical duet, which “defiantly challenges homophobia and transphobia” and aims to “reimagine, reclaim and celebrate aspects of Caribbean culture from a queer perspective”.

Customers wishing to purchase the £17 tickets are also told that as the production involves oranges it may not be suitable for those with citrus allergies.

“The performance contains sounds of people eating so those with misophonia might find some parts uncomfortable.”

The NHS describes misophonia as an “extreme emotional reaction to certain everyday sounds that most people would find relatively easy to ignore”.

When casting for OUT earlier this year, advertisements offering dancers £1,000 a week stipulated that all the applicants must be “queer, trans+ or gender non-conforming black performers of Caribbean heritage”, the Mail on Sunday reported.

The show, scheduled for April 25-26, is marketed as an “interdisciplinary performance inspired by ongoing global struggles for LGBTQIA+ rights” and a “defiant challenge to the status quo”.

“Bravely embracing personal, political and cultural dissonance, this work smashes through our violent colonial histories to reimagine, reclaim and celebrate our delicious queer future,” it continues.

Ray Young, the creator and director of OUT, said “I am extremely excited to be bringing OUT back in 2024, the themes in the work resonate more now than ever before.

“As queer people, we are still living in a world in which it is contentious for us to dare to thrive in our bodies, this is doubly so for our trans siblings whose lives are often under threat from the simple act of living authentically.

“Surely being able to do this is non-negotiable.”

Sadler’s Wells has been approached for comment.

Earlier this month, Cate Blanchett said trigger warnings imply a “lack of mutual respect” between artists and the audience.

The Australian actress told the Sunday Times that “tough conversations” are needed and that audiences should be challenged or even offended by what they see.

Fellow actor Ralph Fiennes has similarly called for trigger warnings for theatre audiences to be scrapped, saying people should be “shocked and disturbed” by what they see.