Fight ruins night out for Hammersmith theatre-goers
A fight broke out at the Lyric Theatre in Hammersmith on Wednesday (September 17) after youths started heckling a production by the National Theatre of Scotland.
One actress was reduced to tears and all of the cast walked off stage following an hour of taunting followed by a scuffle at the theatre in Lyric Square.
The youths talked through the play and used their mobile phones, before starting a fight when told to be quiet.
The play was halted for ten minutes before resuming after the trouble-makers were evicted from the theatre.
The play, 365, was developed and created by the National Theatre of Scotland with playwright David Harrower. It focuses on a group of children in foster care as they reach the age of 16 and become adults.
The hard-hitting contemporary production received mixed reviews following its debut performance at the Edinburgh Festival this year.
In a statement, a Lyric Theatre spokeswoman said: “We can confirm that an altercation broke out in the Lyric Theatre Hammersmith in London last night following a disturbance between two young people during the performance of the National Theatre of Scotland’s production of 365.
"The performance was briefly stopped. The young people were removed from the audience by staff and the show continued.
“Last night was an isolated incident that is extremely unusual for any theatre, especially the Lyric, which has a positive reputation for attracting young audiences and working with young people.
“Audience members who were present at this performance will be contacted and invited back to the Lyric to see 365 or any other show at the Lyric this season at no cost. The Lyric prides itself on being a theatre that is welcoming and enjoyable for everyone, and wishes to ensure that these audience members have a positive experience during their next visit.”
September 18, 2008
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