Madam, - In response to letters from Ursula Hough-Gormley (October 10th), Hugo Brady Brown and Maeve Kennedy (October 12th), I wish to clarify Gaiety policy in respect of the issues raised (admittance of late-comers, consumption of alcohol, double bookings, and the use of mobile phones and other devices during performances).
Policy on the admission of late-comers is decided by the visiting company. Gaiety management consults with the visiting company management to determine a point in the production (if any) when late-comers may be admitted. The consumption of alcohol in the auditorium is permitted only when patrons have purchased drinks at the interval and wish to finish them in the auditorium (by decanting their drinks into plastic glasses for safety and acoustic reasons). Many of our patrons wish to consume a beverage in the auditorium after the interval as part of their evening's enjoyment.
Not all drinks which are taken into the auditorium are alcoholic - they may also be soft drinks or water. In the case of Long Day's Journey Into Night, the production runs for four-and-a-half hours. In this case it is understandable that patrons will bring refreshments into the auditorium.
Gaiety policy on the use of mobile phones or recording devices is that their use is strictly prohibited at all times during the performance - both to avoid disturbing the public and the artists, and to protect copyright material. Patrons are requested before every performance to switch off all mobile phones or other forms of communication and the theatre prohibits recording devices. It is my experience that the main problem with mobile phone use arises after intervals, when people turn their phones on and forget to turn them off when returning to the auditorium.
In regard to double bookings, we apologise for any inconvenience caused. These can occur when our box-office system and a visiting box-office system are in use simultaneously. Every effort is being made to eliminate these problems.
Mr Brown refers to "intrusive bare bulbs" remaining lit at the back of the auditorium during the performance. The lamp he refers to was a working light used by the visiting company for the operation of their sound and light equipment.
It is unfortunate these letter-writers' evenings were somewhat spoiled, but not all of the problems experienced are under the control of the Gaiety Theatre. I have been very vocal about the use of mobile phones in theatres, concert halls and cinemas and have been campaigning for the introduction of a blocking system on mobile phone signals in auditoriums.
However, it would take a considerable lobby from the industry as a whole to have such a system introduced. I understand one of the leading cinemas has tried to introduce such a system but ComReg objected. I take the view that when you purchase a ticket to a performance at the Gaiety Theatre, you are agreeing not to use your mobile phone at all during the performance. - Yours, etc,
JOHN COSTIGAN, Managing Director, The Gaiety Theatre, South King Street, Dublin 2