A production of My Fair Lady at the Palace Theatre had to be halted following a technical fault on stage this afternoon.
The 2.30pm show of the hit musical today (March 30) was stopped about 20 minutes into the first act as sets were being changed over.
Martyn and Joanne Shaw, from Wigan, were in attendance at the show and said the production went quiet during the change-over before a curtain later came down on the stage.
“It started as normal and then about 20 minutes into the show, as they were changing sets, I could see that something hadn’t quite worked right,” Joanne, who was sitting in row BB, told the M.E.N.
“I heard something from the side of the stage and then it all went really quiet and the curtain came down. After about 15 minutes of waiting, I started to think it wouldn’t quite work out well for us.
“It’s a three-hour show and it was only due to finish at 5.30pm. The next show is at 7.30pm so that doesn’t leave a long break considering we were experiencing a bit of a delay.”
Joanne said a member of staff then came on stage to explain to the audience that the show had experienced a technical issue, but said the cast would come out to sing songs without the stage production.
“A producer told us they couldn’t continue with the show as there was a problem on stage,” she explained. “They then offered us to stay around and the cast would perform some songs just to make sure it hadn’t been a wasted journey.
“Everyone was looking at each other as if they didn’t want to stay and watch some singing. A lot of people were saying they wanted a refund or a voucher whether people stayed or not.
“People were starting to harass the staff and I did feel a bit sorry for them because, at the end of the day, there’s not much that can be done about it. They just said that ATG would be in contact with us in due course regarding refunds or vouchers. It's a shame but it is what it is.”
Others in attendance took to Twitter to share their reaction to the technical difficulties. One person said: “Sat watching My Fair Lady and they've stopped the show!”
Another wrote: “Sad the show couldn’t go on. I didn’t want to stay for music only. Hopefully @ATGTICKETS will be in touch.”
A spokesperson for the production told the M.E.N: “This afternoon's performance of My Fair Lady at Manchester Palace Theatre unfortunately had to be stopped due to technical issues.
“After a pause the show was continued in concert form. Patrons who chose to leave the theatre during the stop are able to contact the box office to arrange replacement tickets during the remainder of the run subject to availability.”
The production of My Fair Lady, which is directed by Bartlett Sher, stars Charlotte Kennedy as Eliza Doolittle and former EastEnders’ star Adam Woodyatt in the role of her father Alfred P. Doolittle.
The show received rave reviews from the M.E.N earlier this month, with it being described as one that ‘enthrals and uplifts’.
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