One theatre audience, already seated, is told that the play has been called off because of a technical hitch. Another full house is sent home after an aborted first act as an actor has become unwell. Elsewhere, ticket holders are informed at the interval that their show will not go on due to a flood.
Such 11th-hour delays, postponements and cancellations have all hit theatregoing audiences this summer. High-profile examples include Romeo & Juliet starring Tom Holland and People, Places and Things with Denise Gough, which both cancelled performances in the West End, while the Almeida’s Alma Mater was delayed after its lead actor, Lia Williams, bowed out.
