I should like to know who the moron is – or was – who decided to rip out the old but very comfortable stall seats at the Manoel Theatre and replace them with metal framed, very hard upholstered chairs, no armrests and no retractable seats.
They are not only extremely uncomfortable but from a safety issue completely unacceptable in case of a fire or a rapid evacuation from the theatre as the legroom is very restricted.
With the seats not returning to a perpendicular position when standing, it is an obstacle course for the centre seated patrons to reach their seats or leave them. Health and safety officials should pay a visit to the theatre to check these hazards in case of an emergency.
I enjoyed watching The Crucible but, at times, I felt like one of the accused being tortured for imagined witchcraft. I love theatre but, no matter what is on offer, as long as the chairs are there my nether regions will never grace them again.