Police were called to a UK theatre last night as a ‘riot broke out’ after members of the audience started singing loudly over the actors.
Actor and singer Melody Thornton has since called out those involved in the incident in an Instagram video:
While it’s hard not to sing along to hits from 1992 film The Bodyguard and its stage adaptation, it’s generally frowned upon if you start belting the lyrics out when actors are trying to perform live.
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Yet, that’s what happened last night at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, where a ‘bunch of entitled p****s’ started singing over the lead during the final song of the musical.
After things escalated, the show eventually had to be called to an end.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that two people were removed by security staff’ as offers were called to the venue, with photos on social media showing several police vehicles parked outside surrounded by disappointed theatregoers.
One Twitter user who had been in the audience tweeted: “Went to The Palace Theatre in Manchester to watch The Bodyguard and a bunch of entitled p****s starting singing over the lead during the final song. A riot broke out, the show was cancelled and the police were called.”
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Someone else said: “Cannot believe what I’ve just witnessed at the Palace Theatre watching the Bodyguard. A mini riot after the show was stopped because audience members were trying to sing over the cast. Police riot vans been called in. Chaos.”
A third wrote: “Nice chilled Friday night at the Palace Theatre and it all kicks off hahahha.”
The musical is currently touring across the UK and Ireland, and stars Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton.
After the incident, she took to Instagram to thank everyone who had remained ‘respectful’.
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“I wanted to send a really special message to people in Manchester who came to the show tonight, to say thank you so much,” she said.
“I respect that you paid your money and I am so grateful to everyone who respects the people on stage who want to give you a beautiful show.
“For everything that happened tonight, I can’t say, I don’t have all of the details. I just am very, very sorry that we couldn’t finish the show. I fought really hard. It feels awful and I just hope that we see you again… I thank everyone who was respectful of the performers and [feel] very, very sorry for those who weren’t.”
Ayden Callaghan, who plays the male lead role of Frank Farmer – originally played by Kevin Costner in the film – also tweeted to condemn the ‘disgusting behaviour’.
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He added: “We wanted to carry on but it had become a major incident. I’m really sorry to what was 99.9 per cent a brilliant audience that a few badly behaved individuals ruined it.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police told LADbible: “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.”
A statement from the Palace Theatre said: “The performance of The Bodyguard at The Palace Theatre, Manchester was stopped at 9.40pm last night and not continued.
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"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."
Topics: UK News
Jess Hardiman