In a recent interview, actor Ralph Fiennes voiced his opinion on the use of trigger warnings in theatre, stating that audiences should be "shocked and disturbed" by what they see on stage. The actor, famous for his roles in Schindler's List and the Harry Potter films, believes that these warnings should be scrapped as they prepare audiences for the content of the performance.

Fiennes expressed his view during an interview on BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg. He acknowledged that Shakespeare's plays, such as Macbeth, are filled with disturbing scenes including murders, but argued that the impact of theatre lies in its ability to shock and disturb. He emphasized that when he was young, they never had trigger warnings for shows.

While Fiennes believes that warnings for physical effects like strobe effects should still be flagged to audiences, he feels strongly that audiences should experience the full range of emotions, including being surprised and shocked, during a theatrical performance. According to Fiennes, it is the unexpected that makes theatre so exciting and memorable.

Fiennes is not alone in his stance on trigger warnings. Ian McKellen, known for his role in The Lord of the Rings, has previously called for the elimination of trigger warnings in theatre. McKellen labeled the warnings as "ludicrous" and expressed his desire to be surprised by unexpected elements during a performance.

Trigger warnings have become increasingly commonplace in theatres, with signs and alerts informing audiences about potentially distressing or upsetting content in a production. However, not all actors and theatre professionals agree with their usage.

Christopher Biggins, a well-known actor and television personality, also criticized the use of trigger warnings. He described them as unnecessary signs that insult the intelligence of theatregoers.

In addition to discussing trigger warnings, Fiennes addressed the issue of high ticket prices in the theatre industry. When asked about the reported £300 ticket price for the romantic comedy Plaza Suite at London's Savoy Theatre, Fiennes mentioned that he had attended the opening night as a guest and had received a complimentary ticket.

Fiennes highlighted the affordability of tickets for his upcoming production of Macbeth, revealing that "20% of our tickets across the board" were priced at £15-£20. This pricing strategy aims to make theatre accessible to a wider range of audiences, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to experiencing the art form.

As the debate on trigger warnings in theatre continues, voices from the industry, including renowned actors like Ralph Fiennes and Ian McKellen, are calling for a reevaluation of their usage. Whether these warnings will remain a staple in theatres or eventually be scrapped remains to be seen, but the discussion has sparked a larger conversation on the purpose and impact of theatrical performances on audiences.