ALADDIN SHOWS CANCELLED AS A BURST PIPE LEAVES VENUE WISHY WASHY
P ERFORMANCES of a family pantomime were cancelled yesterday after a burst water pipe left part of the venue flooded.
Swansea’s Grand Theatre pulled both performances of Aladdin scheduled for Saturday after the burst pipe affected the stage and the venue’s electrics.
But following a lengthy visit by engineers bosses have taken the decision to proceed with today’s 1pm show as planned.
Theatre manager Paul Hopkins said: “We’re all fixed for Sunday. There is a bit of drying out to do overnight but we’ve been rubbing the magic lamp and the show is on.”
Around 2,000 people were expected in the audience at the Singleton Street venue on Saturday.
Theatre staff had to spread the word about the cancellations via social media and on news outlets as phones in the building were left out of action due to the damage.
The pipe which burst runs above the stage. The water flooded the theatre apron and orchestra pit and pooled in the electricity vents.
Mr Hopkins praised staff for their efforts to mop up the water.
“We’ve had to take the really, really tough decision to cancel today’s shows,” he said yesterday.
A statement on Swansea council’s website yesterday said: “Due to a burst water pipe flooding a section of the building the Grand Theatre has lost key electrical systems.
“Engineers are striving to get the theatre operational, however today’s performances of Aladdin are cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience.”
Yesterday’s performances of Aladdin, starring Tony Maudsley, Matt Edwards and Kevin Johns, were due to take place at 2pm and 7pm.
Another one is due at 1pm today ahead of a short break until January 2.
Ticketholders affected are able to either claim a refund or swap their ticket for another show before the run ends on January 14.
The popular annual pantomime, which this year started its run on December 15, entertains around 30,000 people every year.
Theatre-goer Richard Bonney said he was very impressed with the response from the venue.
“We were due to attend today traveling from Dublin,” he said.
“Immediate refund and apology from theatre. They were great, one of those things. Cast outside meeting and greeting.” THE naked body of a man wearing only socks was found on a beach yesterday morning.
The discovery in Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, was made at around 8.20am.
Police say the death is “currently being treated as unexplained”.
Officers are carrying out enquiries and are urging anyone with information to call 101 and quote reference number 247 30/12/17.