Theatre staff who removed a disabled Scots grandad for clapping during a Bat Out of Hell performance have now 'booted out' another punter for 'moving her legs in time to the music'.
Melanie Sharp claims she was ejected from the Edinburgh Playhouse theatre on February 17 after initially receiving a warning from security staff for 'moving her knees'.
She said: "Can't believe I have just been escorted out of the Edinburgh Playhouse watching Bat Out of Hell. My crime was moving my knees to the music.
"That got me my first warning. Then when I had to check my phone (which was on mute) within two seconds, I got my second warning."
We previously told how a disabled Scots grandad was 'frogmarched' from the theatre by two security guards during a matinee performance of the hit show.
Jim Clelland, 75, was ejected without his wheelchair in front of horrified daughter Hazel Robertson, who suffered a panic attack as a result.
The mum-of-two, who had been given two warnings herself for clapping and singing along during the February 19 show, said she believes staff were "were overzealous and completely out of order".
She added: “I haven’t had a panic attack like that in five years. I’m absolutely devastated at what has happened. It’s an absolutely disgraceful way to treat people.
“It wasn’t like we were all jumping up and down. You were literally singing while sat on your seat.
“It wasn’t even loud because you knew someone was going to give you a row, so you were singing to yourself. I just don’t get the logic behind their decision. They just kept saying ‘disruptive behaviour’.
“Any aggressive behaviour was on their part, not the audience members who they kicked out. They were overzealous and completely out of order.
“My dad was so excited to see the show because he doesn’t get the opportunity to get out often. I have fibromyalgia so I can only take him out when I’m well enough.
“This was supposed to be a special day out for him but it was completely ruined."
Other furious punters have voiced their fury after being repeatedly told off by staff during multiple performances of the hit show at the Edinburgh Playhouse.
A member of the public, who attended the Saturday night showing, told how a tannoy announcement told the waiting audience that they were not allowed to sing along.
Security and staff at the theatre have been described as “gestapo-style” after ejecting members of the public following their alleged “disruptive behaviour.”
One audience member said: “The first half of Bat Out of Hell has, artistically and technically, been fantastic.
“But the staff flashing torches and telling patrons to calm down is awful. Edinburgh Playhouse truly have got their attitude towards the audience wrong.
“Let us watch and sing, not sit in silence.”
A third tweeted the venue and said: “Will never darken your door again. Gestapo style stewards. Everyone sitting terrified to move at Bat Out of Hell.
“Shame on you. Could not enjoy the show. Red lights flash on peoples faces. What sort of world are we living in?”
A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Playhouse said: “We want everyone to have a great night out, but unless the show has a ‘Singalong’ in the title, or is invited by the performers, audience participation is not encouraged.
“This is partly out of respect for the actors, but is mainly in consideration for the majority who have paid to listen to the performances taking place on stage.
“This is not a new policy within any theatre and persistent anti-social behaviour towards other audience members or our staff will not be tolerated."
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