Bosses at the Palace Theatre have issued a statement after a performance of The Bodyguard was cut short due to 'disruptive customers'.
The show at the Oxford Street theatre was paused multiple times before it was halted altogether 10 minutes before the end after audience members repeatedly sang over the cast and 'caused a disturbance'. Producers had asked people not to sing - and had installed signs around the venue.
Video footage captured one audience member 'screaming' over the song I Will Always Love You, while other 'confused and angry' theatre-goers spoke over the music and questioned what was happening. Police were called to the scene and two women were captured on video footage being dragged out of the upper circle of the theatre.
The Palace Theatre has now issued a statement on the chaos and said 'disruptive customers refused to stay seated' and 'spoilt the performance for others'. Bosses thanked Greater Manchester Police officers for their assistance.
In full, the statement said: "The performance of The Bodyguard at The Palace Theatre, Manchester was stopped at 9.40pm last night and not continued. We are disappointed that the last 10 minutes of the show needed to be cancelled due to disruptive customers refusing to stay seated and spoiling the performance for others.
"We are grateful to our venue teams for dealing with these difficult circumstances in a professional and calm way, and to Greater Manchester Police for their assistance. Future performances will continue as planned and we ask that customers are considerate towards the cast, fellow audience members and theatre team so that everyone can enjoy the wonderful entertainment on stage."
This morning, Greater Manchester Police also issued a statement on the incident and said two people were removed by security staff. Evidence is now being 'reviewed' before a decision will be made on whether any further action will be taken.
In full, the GMP statement said: "Officers were called to the Palace Theatre last night (7 April 2023) after staff reported a number of people in the audience causing a disturbance.
"Two people removed by security staff were spoken to by police and a decision about any further action will be made once the evidence has been reviewed." The spokesperson added that riot police were not deployed to the scene, as previously reported.
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