The Tuesday night performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the Chichester Festival Theatre was abruptly cancelled just minutes before the scheduled 7.30pm curtain, following news that a member of the cast had been attacked earlier in the day.
Audience members had already taken their seats when the house lights were brought up and the theatre’s artistic director, Justin Audibert, appeared on stage to make the announcement. Addressing a confused and concerned crowd, Mr. Audibert confirmed the evening’s performance would not go ahead.
“It’s never a good sign when the artistic director gets up onstage to speak before the show,” Mr. Audibert said. He went on to confirm that a member of the company had been subjected to an attack earlier that day. While he did not disclose the identity of the cast member, nor provide specific details regarding the time or location of the incident, he noted that the company and crew were “incredibly shaken” by the news and confirmed that police are currently involved.
The production, which stars comedian and actor Munya Chawawa as Bottom, has been a successful run for the theatre, earning positive reviews for its creative transposition of the Shakespearean classic into 1990s Sussex, complete with themes of rave culture. Mr. Chawawa has yet to comment on the incident.
The cancellation came as a surprise to many, particularly as the 2.30pm matinee had proceeded without incident. Ushers were overheard expressing their own bewilderment at the sudden change in plans as they helped redirect patrons toward the exits.
Audience members were generally understanding of the grave circumstances. Jill and Mike Green, who had traveled from London, were among those disappointed but sympathetic. “It is shocking, really,” said Mr. Green. “I felt really sorry for Justin, who had to tell everybody. I think he did it very well. I just hope whoever has been injured hasn’t been too badly hurt.”
Other patrons, including those arriving in groups by coach from as far as Brighton, echoed the sentiment. “It must have been an awful shock and I am absolutely with them if that is what needs to happen,” said attendee Cynthia McArthur. “It is very serious whatever it is—my goodness me, we can always make another performance.”
Mr. Audibert apologized for the disruption and confirmed that the theatre would be reaching out to all affected ticketholders to process refunds in due course. As he concluded his announcement, he urged the audience to take care on their journeys home.
Sussex Police and representatives from the Chichester Festival Theatre have been approached for further information regarding the investigation.
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