Rustling of sweet wrappers and people whispering are the most annoying disturbances during theatre performances, according to an online poll.

Of 500 theatregoers questioned by Whatsonstage.com, the sound of people unwrapping sweets to eat during a performance irritated 79% of respondents.

Some 69% said they found talking and whispering irritating while 64% said other theatregoers arriving late was their biggest gripe, and 59% complained about mobile phones.

Annoying theatre noises

1. Rustling wrappers - 79% 2. Whispering - 69% 3. Arriving late - 64% 4. Mobile phones - 59% 5. Tall people in front of you - 38% 6. Coughing and sneezing - 32% 7. Fidgeting - 32% 8. Eating and chewing gum - 28% 9. People not saying thankyou when passing - 27% 10. Singing along during musicals - 27% 11. Littering - 23% 12. Hogging armrest - 20% 13. Snoring - 13% 14. Breaking wind and burping - 8%

Action has been taken in New York to cut down on disturbances during shows, and from April, theatres are introducing a ban on the use of mobile phones.

Requests to switch off mobiles before a play or concert begins will be backed up with the threat of a $50 (�30) fine.

Anyone making a call, talking on their mobile, or even being rung during the performance will be breaking the law.

New York is believed to be the first major US city to bring in such legislation.

But mobile phones are not the only electronic noise polluters, according to the online poll, which also lists beeping of watches, organisers and other electrical devices.

Other complaints included audience members chewing gum, breaking wind and burping.

Body odour, removing shoes, big hairdos, putting feet on seats and "obnoxious Americans" were also noted as particular irritants.

Some 27% of those questioned said they got most irritated by other audience members singing along to musicals while 20% were annoyed by people hogging the armrest.

Anyone taking a call in New York theatres faces a $50 fine

"Obviously some of the points raised in this poll are amusing, but the serious point to keep in mind is how easy it is for an evening in the theatre to be spoiled by inconsiderate behaviour," said Terri Paddock, of Whatsonstage.com.

"Several of our users have dubbed this phenomenon 'stage rage' and it seems to be on the rise."

The survey revealed that theatregoers are not afraid to vent their anger.

More than two out of three respondents said they had been driven to confronting a fellow member of the audience.