The day has finally arrived - the on-screen adaptation of broadway hit musical Wicked is available for viewing at UK cinemas.
With the blockbuster's eagerly-awaited release, however, comes a very stern warning issued by movie theatre bosses about etiquette exhibited by those watching...
In recent years, the debate over which behaviours should and definitely should not be exhibited in cinema screenings has reached unexpectedly disproportionate levels.
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While this issue doesn't apply to the majority of sci-fi/action/comedy films, it often rears its ugly head when musical productions are released, whether on-screen or during West End/Broadway productions.
The confusion recently kicked off in the UK, after a batch of viewers of The Bodyguard were booted out for singing some of Whitney Houston's sell-out songs over the voices of the actors in the play.
Ever since, some angry ticket holders have argued that, since they've paid to hear paid professionals perform, they don't want to hear fans screeching along from the front row.
These die-hard fans argue in response, however, that they've also paid to be there, so why shouldn't they sing along?
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And as we say, the release of Wicked this week has once again relaunched the passionate debate.
Chiming in, one chain of UK cinemas, AMC, has released a statement in response to the drama, re-emphasising the importance of retaining quietness during films.
And as such, anyone caught singing along to the movie's tracks will be removed from the screening on the grounds of anti-social behaviour.
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"At AMC Theaters, silence is golden," a recently-released short-form video now explains. "No talking. No texting. No singing. No wailing. No Flirting.
"And absolutely no name-calling. Enjoy the magic of movies."
Following the warning's release, Ryan Noonan - a spokesperson for the theatre firm - told press that cinemagoers must continue to abide by the company's 'long-standing policy' against 'disruptive' behaviour.
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He added that, though rules on this haven't changed, AMC has re-emphasised them given the nature of Wicked's soundtrack, which boasts the likes of 'Defying Gravity' sung by Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba (the Bad Witch), and 'Popular' by Ariana Grande's Glinda (the Good Witch).
"The WICKED preshow spot incorporates the themes of the film as a fun, engaging reminder to moviegoers to not disrupt the experience for those around them as they enjoy the show," Noonan outlined.
And as we say, the restrictions have hugely divided cinemagoers.
"They should do a sing along version and have those showings…that way I can go to both," one fan suggested.
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Another added: "As someone who hasn’t had the opportunity to see it on stage, I agree with this so much! Let me experience it for the first time hearing them [the actors], then I’ll go to a sing-along screening."
"I don’t get people who want to hear themselves over the performances. This goes for concerts too. I’ve never understood it! And I’m a singer! If I want to sing I do it on stage or in my car," a third continued.
Others, however, vowed they wouldn't be stopped.
"I literally won’t be able to stop myself," one claimed.
"I’m singing quietly to myself and no one can stop me...it’s not like they could hear me over the movie," added another.
Topics: Ariana Grande, Cinema, TV And Film, Wicked
Rhianna Benson