Many fans are experiencing backlash for singing during Wicked screenings, but is this fair?
Many fans may have been surprised after rocking up to their local cinema to see Wicked, popcorn in hand, only to find audiences singing along to the iconic soundtrack throughout the film. Multiple news outlets have slammed this behaviour, with the Guardian branding it ‘deeply embarrassing.’ Countless viewers have been tweeting their outrage, saying, ‘I’m definitely waiting to watch Wicked at home if people are going to be singing along in the theatre. No thanks. That might send me over the edge.’ However, this tweet actually makes a very good point. Cast your mind back to 2019 when Avengers Endgame was in cinemas, and clips of fans erupting into cheers at pivotal moments were going viral. People were going to the cinema for exactly this reason, to experience the film with a fellow fan and share their joy. Those that didn’t simply stayed at home and watched it when it was released on streaming sites. Did anyone rush to call these fans ‘deeply embarrassing’? TV writer Emily St. James pointed out that those singing at Wicked might be receiving more backlash than the enthusiastic Marvel fans because Wicked is female or queer-coded media — similar to the way spending is deemed frivolous if it’s a manicure but essential if it’s a state-of-the-art gaming chair. One fan of the film said, ‘I can't help but think people want to judge a fandom that is largely female and/or LGBTQ. The backlash from lots of male columnists feels very joyless. Let's just let people feel the joy of a film about defying societal expectations.’
Ariana Grande as Glinda
©Imago
Many movie theatres have taken a firm stance against the outbreak of singing. AMC, the world’s largest movie theatre chain, have even posted signs in their lobbies that they hope will deter movie-goers from belting out a song or two. These notices read, ‘To our guests seeing Wicked, we ask that you allow everyone to enjoy the cinema experience. Please refrain from singing during the show.’ Fans online are begging for a sing-along version to be released so they can express their glee in a controlled environment, but isn’t the whole point of a cinema trip to share an experience? Especially for a film whose main themes revolve around self-expression and acceptance. One Wicked fan who’s in favour of fans singing along said, ‘When I saw Wicked — in a packed cinema — the entire audience spontaneously applauded after each song. People sang along, yes, but they didn't drown out the vocals on screen. To me, it was joyous and made me enjoy the film even more. Wicked is a musical, it's pure escapism — not a quiet, serious drama, or a complicated thriller — so some audience participation isn't going to detract from the film. What's wrong with people getting into the spirit? I went to see Wicked on a bleak, rainy Sunday and left feeling uplifted. That's what cinema should be about.'
Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as Elphaba and Glinda
©Imago
Maybe if you’re unsure who’s side to take in this fiery debate, let’s listen to the stars themselves — former theatre kids Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande. When asked for their take on the controversy in a recent interview, Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film, replied, ‘Why not… I say, if you come the first time and you sing through, sing through. But come a second time and let us sing to you.’ Grande agreed, saying, ‘It’s tempting. We understand it if you do and if you don’t, we respect the feelings … but if someone throws popcorn at you, their phone or something, maybe stop. I’m kidding. We support whatever makes them happy.’ Sarah O'Byrne is a News and Entertainment writer at Bauer Media, regularly contributing to heat, Closer, Crime Monthly and Grazia. If she could sing, she wouldn't hesitate to do it in a Wicked screening.
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