The Chopsy Baby Guide to Hand Clapping Applause and Standing Ovations at the Theatre
Your Guide To Applause
What is it: The Storm
What does it mean: Oh the hands hurt. I’m clapping too hard but can’t stop. Keep bowing we’re stuck storming.
What is it: The starts off slow to fast hard hand clap
What does it mean: That was utterly brilliant. I’m inwardly going ‘bravo’ and slapping away like a crazed seal in appreciation.
What is it: The Light Entertainment Hand Clap or the Clap in Time
What does it mean: It means clapping goes wrong. Half the auditorium clapping away in time to the music like they are watching cheap ITV entertainment. It’s ruining the proper clapping. We want to clap the performers. Please desist with the awkward Clap in Time. Oh look someone’s clapping out of time entirely. Well that’s just selfish and the entire performance has now been ruined.
What is it: The Utter Silence Before Giant Applause
What does it mean: It’s very rare and comes after something particularly moving when we have been stunned to silence.
What is it: The Leg Slap
What does it mean: It means you’re probably a bit posh and just have to be different.
What is it: A polite smattering
What does it mean: I thought that was rubbish and I can’t muster the energy to fake but oh no people can see me not clapping. Too much pressure. Must do a polite smatter of applause.
What is it: Loud solo clapping
What does it mean: You fool, we don’t clap there. You have no idea what’s going on. The opera crowd are sneering and it’s all gone a bit hot! Ride it out and try a Suspicious Clap next time.
What is it: Suspicious Clap
What does it mean: You’re probably at an art form or show you have never seen before and aren’t sure if this is the right time to clap. Take your clap continuation lead from the middle stalls. They probably know what they are doing. They’ve paid premium to clap at the right time.
What is it: Gentle Short Group Burst
What does it mean: Yes we were actually surprised at how good that was from the support. I expect she is the frustrated cover but we want the action to move on please thank you please.
Your Guide to a Standing Ovation
What is it: The Leap
What does it mean: You carefully toss your programme onto the seat and leap up in a swift move at the same time as everyone else. It means that was brilliant. Don’t forget to add The Storm Hand Clap
What is it: Begrudging Standing Ovation
What does it mean: I’m not really enjoying this show but now I have to stand up because I want to see the final bits. I’ve been forced into an ovation. But I’m begrudging and Smattering.
What is it: The Hold Fire Ovation
What is it? I want to stand up but don’t want to be alone. I’m waiting for the self confident enthusiast in G17 to go first.
What is it: The Bus Ovation
What is it: Oh sorry, see we all thought the show hadn’t quite finished yet. You know, because we are doing that clapping and standing thing. But no if you must rush for the bus please do leave. Always buy the centre of the row though don’t you?