Rupert Christiansen

A short history of applause – and booing

Today's vacuous nightly West End standing ovations represent a significant departure from the custom of 50 years ago

Britain is largely free of claques, a mafia-type menace that corrupts mainland Europe: 'The Claque in action', c.1830-40. Image: © Archives Charmet / Bridgeman Images
  • Comments

Already a subscriber? Log in

This article is for subscribers only

Subscribe today to get 3 months' delivery of the magazine, as well as online and app access, for only £3.

  • Weekly delivery of the magazine
  • Unlimited access to our website and app
  • Enjoy Spectator newsletters and podcasts
  • Explore our online archive, going back to 1828

Read next

Trending

Nigel Jones

The lost thrill of the thriller

From Spectator Life
I will not be joining in the praise heaped on the current Sky remake of Frederick Forsyth’s classic thriller The Day of the Jackal. Apart from the fact that the series’ star Eddie Redmayne – who plays the Jackal, an ice-cold hitman – is about as menacing as a field mouse, the new Jackal is

Also in Arts Reviews

Also by Rupert Christiansen

Latest

Comments

Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months

Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.

Already a subscriber? Log in