Is it ok to sing along at the Movies?

If you’re excited to see the upcoming Wicked movie, there’s one thing to keep in mind: singing along in the theatre might not be welcome.

Ava Diakhaby, a Shortland Street actor and lifelong Wicked fan, believes audiences should enjoy the movie without belting out the tunes. “You can laugh, clap, giggle, even gasp, but singing is just an absolute no,” she says.

This debate has sparked opinions among fans and theatres alike. AMC Theatres, the world’s largest cinema chain, has officially banned singing during screenings of Wicked. Their message is clear: “Silence is golden… no singing.”

Diakhaby agrees with the policy, explaining that it’s about respecting everyone’s experience. “We’re there to appreciate the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, who bring something new to the roles,” she says. While singalongs can be fun, Diakhaby believes they belong in special screenings dedicated to audience participation.

Others see the issue differently. Actress Cynthia Erivo, who stars as Elphaba in the movie, says it’s okay to sing the first time but recommends sitting back and listening on a second watch. Some theatres, like Auckland’s Academy Cinemas, offer singalong events for musicals like Mamma Mia and Grease, where fans can sing to their hearts’ content.

Film reviewer Tom Augustine says a little audience reaction is fine, like clapping or cheering, but full karaoke might be too much. “Dedicated singalong nights are the perfect solution,” he suggests, creating space for fans who want to participate without disrupting quieter viewers.

What do you think? Should people be able to sing at theatres?