Plug pulled on show with minutes to go (From Ledbury Reporter)

Plug pulled on show with minutes to go

5:50pm Monday 3rd September 2012 in News By Neil Watts

THE last-minute cancellation of a new musical show has left theatre-goers fuming and theatre bosses red faced.

Members of the audience at Malvern Theatres were awaiting the final performance of Disco Inferno, a 70sinspired musical, on Saturday when it was announced at about 7.15pm the show had been pulled due to a dispute.

The Grange Road-based theatre saw the launch of the national tour on Tuesday, August 21 and the show starred former EastEnders actor Sam Attwater and singer Javine Hylton, with a set boasting more than 30 classic dancefloor numbers, including Hot Stuff, Signed Sealed Delivered and Relight My Fire.

Nic Lloyd, chief executive of Malvern Theatres, said: “We are deeply sorry that the evening’s performance of Disco Inferno was cancelled on Saturday, August 25, at such short notice. At around 7.15pm there had been a dispute between the producer of the show and the company, which sadly resulted in them cancelling the performance.

“Unfortunately, their decision was completely beyond our control and we are very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused.

“This is an incredibly rare occurrence.”

One of the show’s stars ,Dani Harmer, who is perhaps best known for playing the title role in CBBC’s Tracy Beaker, posted an apology on Twitter the same day.

She said: “I would just like to send a massive apology to everyone that has booked tickets to see disco inferno!

Unfortunately the tour has been cancelled!

“On behalf of all the cast thank you to all your amazing tweets from you guys who have seen and enjoyed it! We're all gutted xxx.”

The musical’s website carried a message announcing the cancellation, adding they were awaiting an official statement from the show’s producer Garth Harrison of Disco Inferno Productions.

Andrew Bull, of Bishops Avenue, Worcester, and five guests were left disappointed by the late announcement.

“We were disappointed on Saturday night to get to the theatre in Malvern only to be told 10 minutes before the show was due to start that the nights presentation was cancelled.

“Apparently, our muchlooked forward to evening’s entertainment was cancelled due to a dispute within the production team. This left myself and five guests astounded.”

No one from the production company was available for comment.