I'VE been to two shows in the last couple of weeks in Worcester, one at the Swan Theatre, the other at the university.

Both had a large number of older teenagers in the audience, which is great. However, both audiences had something else in common - the tendency to whoop' on every possible occasion. A few years ago, this would have been considered a very American thing to do, but was not common on this side of the pond. It is becoming more and more accepted over here now, though. I hate it!

Now, don't get me wrong. I love young people coming to shows and I love them to be enthusiastic about what they are seeing. The trouble is, they tend to get out of control, often whooping at totally inappropriate moments and completely ruining the moment for others.

So, here is my guide for whoopers'. Don't whoop at sad moments, don't whoop at quiet moments, don't whoop to try and draw attention to yourself, don't whoop too loudly. In fact, just whoop at the end during the curtain call. If you must. And, if you feel a tickle in the throat, don't get whooping cough!