GMB viewers are left annoyed by debates about trigger warnings for pantomimes. This was after Cambridge luvvies had warned of Rapunzel production.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain today, Tru Powell, from Birmingham, said that the university was right to use trigger warnings because ‘subconscious messages’ in shows that can impact people negatively.
An entrepeneur is a social commentator who advocates for equality of representation across all races, genders, and sexualities. He claimed that pantos can “put people in an environment where they can’t control their emotions”.
Linda Lusardi however, actress who stars in pantomimes for over 30 years, stated that most adults are familiar with the theme of the show so she has never complained about the content.
This is after the Amateur Dramatic Club of Cambridge University had warned those who were going to see Rapunzel’s version that there was ‘kidnapping’, homophobia and sexism in it.
Tru Powell from Birmingham said that pantos need to have trigger warnings. This is because subconscious messages can put people in an emotional space.
Linda Lusardi (actress), who has starred in several pantomimes during the last 30 year, said that most adults already have a good idea of the show’s themes.
Tru said that we need to be warned because comedy can contain harmful themes.
“When we discuss trigger warnings, the goal is to provide the audience with enough information to enable them to make educated decisions about whether to place them in an environment that might trigger any really negative emotions.
‘I don’t see anything wrong in any content with a trigger warning if it has scenes that may trigger. I think it’s really problematic to think that because it’s a pantomime and it’s a family friendly event, they are not harmful.
“They are very dangerous and they can cause people to lose control of their emotions. There’s nothing wrong with your audience making informed decisions as to whether they want to be in that space or not, or even prepare themselves mentally.’
Linda, from London, disagreed with Tru arguing: ‘ I think most British adults know what they’re going to see when they go to a pantomime, they’ve all read the stories’
Linda from London disagreed and said:I think most British adults know what they’re going to see when they go to a pantomime, they’ve all read the stories.
No child should go alone. Instead, an adult must accompany them. Only an adult can decide whether the storyline is appropriate for their age. If you start putting these warnings on pantomimes you’ll have to put them on everything.’
Footlights’ new pantomime production appears to be new take on the Brothers Grimm tale Rapunzel and promises ‘a celebration of individuality and self-love’ with ‘a queer and colourful bang’.
ADC Theatre is Cambridge University’s smallest Department. It stated that it provided the notes in order to assist people choosing what to see.
ADC Theatre, which is Cambridge University’s smallest division (pictured), said that the notes were given to people in order to make their choice.
Jamie Rycroft, Theatre Manager at The Royal Shakespeare Company told MailOnline that they provide warnings about content in productions. These are available for viewing on the Box Office or online.
These provide an indication of what the show’s content is to assist viewers in making a decision about whether to view it. This is similar to the information on the film’s content, which are included alongside the age rating.
Tru agrees that the show should have a warning, arguing that pantomimes can be damaging to audiences but often adults dismiss the comedy shows as a ‘family friendly’ form of entertainment.
‘Actually there are some subconscious messages within these pantomimes that can be harmful and that is treated as normal, we need to put people’s mental health at the forefront’, he said.
Several viewers agreed with Linda, with one writing: ‘Traditional pantos don’t need a warning’, while another said ‘Still can’t believe that this is even a ‘thing’
It is okay to predict any content with potential negative effects on one’s mental well-being with trigger warnings.
Linda continued: “The average panto in the theatre doesn’t require a warning. There is nothing that can damage children. After 30 years in the panto, I can’t recall ever having a complaint.
Linda received support from several viewers. One wrote, “Traditional pantos are fine without warning.” My children used to enjoy the terror of an evil Queen, and they would often laugh at two women in dress. Parents should talk with their children especially young children.
One person said that he still couldn’t believe it was a “thing”.
Another wrote, “Totally agree!” Do not go to any panto for potential offence, but just be careful!