(Picture: PA Archive)
London’s theatreland paid tribute to the Queen with lights dimmed and audiences standing in silence.
The Society of London Theatre (SOLT) paid its own tribute saying: “We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“The theatre industry is thankful for all the support and patronage Her Majesty has shown throughout her lifetime. We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this time of national mourning.”
They added that theatres across the country would dim their lights at 7pm for 2 minutes each evening as a mark of respect.
Audiences at the Old Vic in Waterloo, where Eureka Day is playing, held a minute’s silence ahead of the show.
I wasn't sure what would happen at the Old Vic tonight.
— David Teatro 🇺🇦🌻💙 (@bfs_boy) September 8, 2022
An announcement of the death of The Queen followed by a minute's silence was exceptionally moving - an unusual stillness in a theatre.
A constant gone, in a country which has lost its way ... pic.twitter.com/DBFGjyALo7
The theatre itself posted a tribute remembering her first visit there as an 11-year-old to see A Midsummer Night’s Dream starring Ralph Richardson as Bottom and Vivien Leigh as Titania.
Other venues, including the National Theatre, posted their own tributes remembering times the Queen visited.
We are deeply saddened by the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Royal Patron of the National Theatre for more than four decades. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Royal Family. pic.twitter.com/eHuBK61ldl
— National Theatre (@NationalTheatre) September 8, 2022
The SOLT statement said London’s theatres will stay open with performances going ahead in accordance with guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
