‘Mini riot’ at Palace’s The Bodyguard
THEATRE-GOERS SAY SHOW WAS STOPPED AS AUDIENCE MEMBERS ‘SANG OVER CAST’
POLICE were called to the Palace Theatre yesterday evening after reports of a “mini riot” breaking out in the crowd.
The incident is said to have happened during a performance of hit musical The Bodyguard at the venue in Manchester city centre.
Theatre-goers have taken to social media claiming the show had to be stopped early after audience members began “trying to sing over the cast”.
Pictures shared on Twitter show police vehicles outside the theatre.
One person said: “Cannot believe what I’ve just witnessed at the Palace theatre watching the Bodyguard.
“A mini riot after the show was stopped because audience members were trying to sing over the cast. Police riot vans been called in. Chaos.”
Another added: “Seen a lot of reports about bad behaviour at the theatre lately, and wondered if they were a bit overblown. Anyway, at the Palace tonight and they had to stop the show during the first act to eject disruptive audience members.
“They’ve had to stop the show AGAIN during the finale because of people shouting out, screaming and being incredibly disruptive. Just unbelievably disrespectful to the actors. And they’re refusing to leave. This is horrendous. Never seen anything like it.
“They decided not to finish the performance because of the disruption. Feel so sorry for the whole cast. Respect to all the staff at the Manchester Palace for trying to deal with an incredibly difficult situation. Awful.”
Coral McKeown tweeted: “Can’t believe we was all kicked out 10 minutes before the end. Disrespectful idiots singing and screaming. I felt for the amazing performers and gutted I didn’t get to see the end.”
Reports sent to the M.E.N. showed some audience members being taken out by police officers, with punters saying the show was cancelled and all were told to evacuate with 10 minutes to go.
Theatre-goers have been warning not to sing during performances of The Bodyguard after reports of previous audiences on the tour trying to ‘out-sing’ the actors and ‘chatting’ during the show.
The Palace Theatre has been approached for comment.