Harry Potter And The Cursed Child Has Been Suspended In Melbourne Due To Coronavirus

The outbreak of coronavirus has caused the theatre production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to be suspended in Melbourne.

Organisers say the temporary shutdown will last until 12 April, meaning tickets to shows up until then will not be valid.

A statement from the production said: "The producers of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child are committed to the safety and peace of mind of all audience members, cast, company and theatre staff.

"In line with the latest advice from the Australian Federal and Victorian Governments on the prevention of the spread of Covid-19, production of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Melbourne's Princess Theatre will be temporarily suspended this week through Sunday 12 April 2020, when the suspension will be reviewed, based on the most up-to-date government advice.

"We understand cancellations are disappointing, but we want to keep the health and safety of audiences and staff members a priority."

People with tickets are being contacted and will be refunded.

It follows the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews declaring a four-week State of Emergency across the state.

PA

The declaration means that state authorities have the power to cancel any non-essential public gatherings of 500 people or more.

Australian executive producer Michael Cassel said in a statement: "I'm sure this news will be met with great disappointment amongst our devoted fans and affected audiences.

"I want to reassure them we will reignite the magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child as soon as circumstances allow.

"Our run in Melbourne remains a long-term commitment. Theatre has the power to uplift, inspire and entertain. We look forward to sharing that delight when performances resume."

An additional slate of three weeks' worth of performances will be released during the school holiday period in September and October to make up for the lost shows.

The producers of the show are insisting that the suspension is temporary and they hope to have the shows back up and running as soon as possible.

Topics: News, coronavirus, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

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