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That sounds like a really horrible situation to be in. The worst thing that you can do at a time like that is to invite the heckler on stage and make them a part of the show, I've never really understood that suggestion and it's never worked for me. And don't ever retaliate, that's what he wants and that's the quickest way to turn the audience off your side.

I think I'd have just asked him if he'd mind waiting until after the show before explaining to his son how it was done and that he was spoiling the show for the other children. If that didn't work then I'd politely ask him to leave as it's not fair on the other children.

Tony's method sounds a mite agressive to me but then I have always been a timid soul.

I do agree with Lady of Mystery that a heckler should not be invited on stage. That is asking for trouble and generally makes the situation worse. When I advocated getting parents up (not that I do it anyway) I was not talking about heckling parents. I was talking about chattering parents. If you get one of them up to help it tends to stop the other parents chattering since they want to watch what happens and it tends to shut them up.

I would name and shame personally!

Yes, Gary. I am seriously advocating meeting violence with violence. Evil triumphs when good men stand back and do nothing. Remember Nevil Chamberlain? Nice guy, but he let the war happen. Churchill was an asshole, but he ended it.

I know not all bullies are cowards, but in 44 years I have not met the one who won't back down.

Just to clarify I am not suggesting decking him in front of the children. I would invite him outside. Nine times out of ten the invitation is enough to sort out the problem.

Actually all this bravado about decking someone, honestly its really hard to deck someone , you have to hit in the right place, right momentum in the punch not easy at all.

When you perform you meet idiots, disgruntled types who are either jealous or just a pain in the neck.

What would I have done? Probably decked him. Right I am of to the UFC fan expo

You're right. Decking someone is difficult. I am not guaranteeing it would have happened (though I am nineteen stone). But if a guy was asking for a fight, as this guy clearly was, then I would certainly have met him half way and given him the fight.
If you make it obvious to bullies that you never back down, you rarely have to step up. It's psychology.

Of course, one could cultivate love instead. Works wonders, love does. Much better than a punch in the face any day of the week!