People wanting to attend one of American comedian Chris Rock’s upcoming shows must adhere to a strict set of rules or prepare to be “immediately ejected”.
The threat has raised eyebrows online ahead of the start of his Australian tour next week, with ticket holders given firm orders about the event’s no-phones policy.
Holders of tickets, which cost between $134.85 and $217.05, have been told that “cell phones, smart watches, cameras or recording devices will not be allowed on site.”
Anyone who dares to bring their phone into the venue can expect to get off to a fast start, warns booking site Ticketek.
“Anyone caught with a cell phone on site will be immediately kicked out,” the site says.
All devices will be removed from audience members upon arrival and stored in a YONDR bag which will be unlocked via a special device at the end of the show.
Guests must bring their unusable phones to their seat and keep them on throughout the show.
They will then line up to unlock their bag at an unlocking station before exiting the venue.
Guests will also need to print physical copies of their tickets for entry as there will be no digital tickets, Ticketek warned.
Someone who bought tickets to Rock’s show at Sydney’s Aware Super Theater expressed concern about the strict rule in a Reddit post on Thursday.
“Just got tickets to see Chris Rock, ticket conditions say all phones and smart watches will be secured and you will be kicked out if allowed to use them,” they wrote.
“I wish I could be contacted by the person watching the kids, what the hell is up with that?”
The ticket holder’s concern was addressed by another Reddit user, who claimed the same system had been implemented for other comedians, musicians and movie premieres.
“I’ve had to do it many times (comedians like Dave Chappelle, musicians like Jack White, movie premieres). There is usually a designated place where you can unlock your phone and check it if needed,” they wrote.
Ticketek’s event page states that guests “can access their phones at designated YONDR unlock stations in the lobby” during the show if they need to.
“We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience,” the page says.
Rock made global headlines earlier this year after he was slapped by Will Smith at the Oscars for making a bald joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett Smith, who suffers from alopecia.
The comedian broke his silence last month during a performance alongside Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle at Madison Square Garden, according to reports. ET online.
“Yeah, that shit hurt, motherfucker, but I got the shit out of it and went to work the next day,” he said.
After remaining silent for months, the actor and comedian headed to get slapped while headlining stand-up shows in New York and New Jersey, on New York Post reported
“Anyone who says ‘words hurt’ has never been punched in the face,” he said.
During the event, Hart brought a live goat on stage and introduced it as “Will Smith”.
Ticketek has been contacted by news.com.au for comment.