Mamma Mia! Mayhem At Family Matinee

An angry dad attacked staff during a family matinee performance of Abba-themed West End musical Mamma Mia! when theatre-goers complained about his two noisy children.

One member of staff was head-butted and another punched when they told Essex-dad Robert Francis, 41, his family would be forced to leave if they did not behave, City of London Magistrates' Court heard.

Francis, of Rose Barn Cottage, Fiddlers Hamlet, Epping attended the performance at the Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street (pictured) with his wife Michelle Francis, 40, and their children aged five and six.

He pleaded guilty to assaulting Graham McAlpine and Salim Rehman on July 24, last year. A charge of racially aggravated threatening behaviour was dropped.

An assault charge against Mrs Francis, who allegedly slapped Mr. McAlpine across the face, was also dropped

Prosecutor Mr. Ijaz Malik told the court it was just before 4pm when staff received complaints from patrons sitting behind the family about their behaviour during the first half of the performance.

The theatre manager Graham McAlpine approached the couple during the interval in the American Bar.

"He decided to chat to them and advise them about their behaviour, but at this point Mr. Francis began to get aggressive towards the staff members," explained the prosecutor.

"He told staff he had paid money to attend and would behave how he liked."

The couple were warned again they would be removed if their behaviour continued.

"Mr. Francis then hit Mr. McAlpine on the arm with his clenched fist and as the manager moved back and attempted to request security a melee ensued," said Mr. Malik.

"Mr. Francis placed his face in Mr. McAlpine's face and aggressively asked for his money back."

At this point Mr. Rehman tried to remove the defendant from the theatre and was allegedly told: "Get your hands off me you Taliban," by Mr. Francis.

This remark, which Mr. Francis denied making, was not pursued by the prosecution.

"Mr. Francis then moved his head back and head-butted Mr. Rehman in the face, causing painful swelling to his nose," added Mr. Malik.

The couple fled the theatre, but were traced and arrested by prior appointment at Charing Cross Police Station.

First-time offender Mr. Francis was sentenced to forty hours community service work, ordered to pay £50 compensation to each victim and £100 costs.