Harassment and Bullying

At BarkingMad Promotions, we believe that all our entertainers deserve a safe, respectful, and supportive environment, free from harassment, bullying, or abuse. Whether you’re an entertainer, a fellow performer, or part of the venue staff, any form of negative behaviour can have a serious and damaging effect on the wellbeing of our artists.

This includes heckling, verbal abuse, and any inappropriate treatment from other acts, venue staff, or members of the public. Such conduct is not only unprofessional but wholly unacceptable, and it goes against everything we stand for as an agency.

Heckler

From Wikepedia

For other uses, see  Heckler (disambiguation).

A heckler in Washington, D.C., leans across a police line toward a demonstration of Iranians during the  Iran hostage crisis, August 1980.

A heckler is a person who harasses and tries to disconcert others with questions, challenges, or gibes. ^[1]  Hecklers are often known to shout discouraging comments at a performance or event, or to interrupt set-piece speeches, with the intent of disturbing performers or participants.

Origin

Although the word heckler, which originated from the textile trade, was first attested in the mid-15th century, its use as “person who harasses” is from 1885. ^[2]  To heckle was to tease or comb out  flax or  hemp fibres. The additional meaning, to interrupt speakers with awkward or embarrassing questions, was first used in Scotland, and specifically in early 19th century  Dundee, a town where the hecklers who combed the flax had established a reputation as the most belligerent element in the workforce. In the heckling factory, one heckler would read out the day’s news while the others worked, to the accompaniment of interruptions and furious debate. ^[3]

Heckling was a major part of the  vaudeville theater. Sometimes it was incorporated into the play.  Milton Berle‘s weekly TV variety series in the 1960s featured a heckler named Sidney Spritzer (German/ Yiddish for ‘ squirter‘) played by  Borscht Belt comic  Irving Benson. In the 1970s and 1980s,  The Muppet Show, which was also built around a vaudeville theme, featured two hecklers,  Statler and Waldorf (two old men named after famous hotels). Heckles are now particularly likely to be heard at comedy performances, to unsettle or compete with the performer.

We understand that heckling is often considered part and parcel of the comedy experience. A quick-witted response can add to the show’s atmosphere, but it’s essential to recognise when it crosses the line from playful banter to abuse. Performers should never have to endure personal attacks, intimidation, or harassment in any form, whether from the audience, venue staff, or fellow acts.

At BarkingMad Promotions, we stand firmly against any form of abusive heckling. While audience interaction is a key part of many performances, abusive remarks that target a performer’s appearance, race, gender, sexuality, or other personal traits are unacceptable. Heckling should never create a hostile environment, and performers have the right to a safe and respectful working space.

As such, we ask venues, staff, and audience members to remain mindful of this distinction. The goal is to enjoy the show, not to belittle or undermine those on stage.

At BarkingMad Promotions, we operate a zero-tolerance policy for any form of harassment, bullying, or abuse. This includes any behaviour that diminishes the dignity or worth of our entertainers. Whether it’s coming from other performers, venue staff, or members of the audience, we will act swiftly to investigate and take necessary action to ensure that our entertainers feel safe and respected.

Sadly, there are occasions where disrespect or unprofessional behaviour comes from within the industry itself. Whether it’s from fellow performers or venue staff, harassment of any kind is unacceptable. This can include dismissive attitudes, belittling comments, or even undermining an entertainer’s act.

We urge all our clients and venue partners to maintain a respectful, professional environment. If any issues arise, our entertainers are encouraged to speak up and know that they will be fully supported by our team.

At BarkingMad Promotions, we are committed to standing with our entertainers, ensuring that they feel protected and supported at all times. We encourage our artists to report any instances of harassment or bullying, whether from their peers, venue staff, or members of the public, knowing that their concerns will be taken seriously. No one should feel they have to endure such behaviour in silence.

If you ever experience or witness inappropriate behaviour, please reach out to us. We are here to provide guidance, support, and take the necessary steps to resolve the situation. Together, we can create a positive and professional environment where talent can thrive without fear.