David Tennant’s Macbeth faced its third consecutive cancellation just two hours before showtime due to “company illness.”
The production, playing on London’s West End, had to close its doors once again, leaving ticket holders disappointed.
On November 1, the Harold Pinter Theatre announced on social media that the evening performance, as well as the next three days of shows, would be cancelled.
The message expressed apologies and reassured theatre-goers that they would hear from ticket providers about refunds or rescheduling.
The post read: “Unfortunately due to company sickness the performance of Macbeth tonight has been cancelled.
“Your ticket provider will be in contact with you in the next few days regarding your tickets. We're very sorry and thank you for understanding.”
Many fans expressed frustration over the last-minute nature of the cancellations, especially those who had traveled long distances.
While some wished the cast a speedy recovery, they voiced concerns that earlier announcements would have saved them travel and other expenses.
One penned on X/Twitter: “Meanwhile, in London, UK, the entire company (including David Tennant of Macbeth is ill & forced cancellation of 4 consecutive performances just to hours prior to their curtain call.”
“I'm really disappointed by the way this has been handled. My friend and I had tickets for tonight. Because we knew previous shows had been cancelled we'd been checking all morning for notice of cancellation,” another commented.
“Because there was nothing we left to travel to London this afternoon. We've paid for train tickets and had taten in a meal near the theatre. The cancellation was announce at 5.45pm. That is so late. Very disrespectful and inconsiderate to ticket holders who have wasted time and money travelling to London.
Unfortunately due to company sickness the performance of Macbeth tonight has been cancelled.
— Harold Pinter Theatre (@HPinterTheatre) November 4, 2024
Your ticket provider will be in contact with you in the next few days regarding your tickets.
We’re very sorry and thank you for understanding.
“A decision should have been made earlier in the day. I am not at all blaming the cast, illness cannot be helped and I hope everyone recovers quickly. I am however quite disgusted by the way the theatre dealt with this stuation. It is disrespecful and rude.”
A spokesperson for the theatre said: “All patrons who were booked into cancelled performances received correspondence that they will be contacted by their point of sale with regards to the options for their booking. This process is already underway.”
Tennant, 53, known for Doctor Who and Broadchurch, reprised his role as the general-turned-murderous king in the William Shakespeare tragedy at the Harold Pinter Theatre last month.
The announcement did not clarify who has become sick, or if it is multiple people.
Also starring Stay Close actress Cush Jumbo, the critically acclaimed production is set to return on Saturday for two performances, starting at 2.30pm and 7.30pm.
Please see for information about the performance tonight that has been cancelled. https://t.co/k5G2euXTJO
— Harold Pinter Theatre (@HPinterTheatre) November 1, 2024
The play, directed by Max Webster, was transferred from the Donmar Warehouse, where Tennant took on the role as Lord Macbeth for the theatre’s 30th anniversary.
The original run saw Tennant nominated for a best actor Olivier Award and the play get a best revival nod.
Tennant previously played the role during a BBC Radio 4 broadcast in April 2022, and has led Hamlet, Richard II and Romeo And Juliet Shakespeare productions.
Theatregoers attending the production of Macbeth, which runs at the Harold Pinter Theatre until December 14, have been warned it “contains haze, smoke and flashing lights”, and “explores psychosis and contains suggestions of post-combat and post-natal mental health concerns”.
The production has been contacted for additional comment.
