The Old Vic theatre in London has drawn attention for providing detailed 'content guidance' to audiences, including specific warnings about food items present on stage. The current production of Alan Ayckbourn's 1969 play, 'How the Other Half Loves,' features real food, prompting advisories about toast, meatballs, avocado, eggs, and soup.
The theatre's website lists ingredients for the Mr Organic Garden Pea & Vegetable Soup used in the production, noting it contains 'peas (38%), carrots (3%)celery (3%).' This level of detail goes beyond typical allergy warnings, which are usually issued for high-risk allergens like peanuts.
Allergy warnings are standard practice when certain foods pose a risk to cast or audience members due to airborne reactions or contact sensitivities. The Food Standards Agency in Britain requires food businesses to identify 14 specific allergens, including eggs and celery, to consumers.
This approach follows a trend of theatres providing extensive guidance. In February 2023, The Young Vic warned audiences about the 'handling of a cooked egg' in their production of 'Further Than The Furthest Thing.' More controversially, The London Palladium faced criticism last year for alerting attendees of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' that the musical depicted a crucifixion.
While such warnings are often framed as 'trigger warnings' to alert audiences to potentially distressing content such as sexual violence, infant homicide, or mental illness, The Old Vic categorizes its advisories as 'content guidance.' This distinction has led to debate, with figures like Sir Ian McKellen calling some trigger warnings 'ludicrous' and Dame Judi Dench questioning their impact on the element of surprise in theatrical performances. The Old Vic production, starring Roger Allam, is scheduled to run until September 19.