Audiences are clapping more and more in the London Theatre. “It is common in the West End for audiences to applaud the first entrance of major stars, as if grateful that they bothered to show up at all. Elderly actors always get a particularly big hand. This has nothing to do with their acting ability and everything to do with their longevity. This applause does not mean ‘You’re marvellous’ but ‘Isn’t it amazing that you aren’t gaga and in a bathchair’?” – The Guardian