Recently, a
small fire broke out on the boiler room of the Queen’s Theatre which is running
one of the most popular Westend musicals, Les Miserables with packed houses. Approximately
1200 people were evacuated from the theatre during the matinee performance of
Les Miserables in the Shaftesbury Avenue.
According to the
sources, cast members along with audience are believed to have left the theatre
as a precautionary measure. A London fire brigade spokeswoman stated, “There
was a small fire caused by a failing high voltage joint in what we understand
was the boiler room. It was declared safe by the UK Power Network and the two
fire crews have now left the scene.”
She further added,
“Around 1,200 persons had already been evacuated as a precaution before the
arrival of the crews.There was no injuries or serious fire.”
Queens
Theatre London spokesman stated that due to
overheated cable, stage blackout happened. Now, the problem is fixed and the
evening performance of the Saturday as per schedule. He further added, “Today’s
matinee of Les Misérables had to be cancelled after the theatre was evacuated
30 minutes into the performance due to the overheating of a cable supplied by
UK Power Network to a transformer under the theatre which caused a blackout on
stage.”
He also added,
“Whilst the auditorium was not affected, the audience, cast, orchestra and crew
were asked to leave the building by precaution. The fire brigade attended to
ensure that the theatre was safe to be re-entered and UK Power Network came on
site to resolve the problem. Audience members affected by the cancellation of
the matinee are invited to request a full refund at their original point of
purchase. We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused and
looks forward to welcoming patrons to another performance of Les Misérables at Queens
Theatre.”
Due to this
incident, Gielgud Theatre which is the neighbouring theatre also has to face
power cut. In Twitter, audience members were sharing their blackout experience.
Les Miserables at the Queen’s Theatre is the longest running musical of world
and played 7602 performances at Palace Theatre as well. In April 2004, the show
made its debut at the Queen’s Theatre! The show is all set to celebrate its 30th
anniversary this year.
He also added,
“Whilst the auditorium was not affected, the audience, cast, orchestra and crew
were asked to leave the building by precaution. The fire brigade attended to
ensure that the theatre was safe to be re-entered and UK Power Network came on
site to resolve the problem. Audience members affected by the cancellation of
the matinee are invited to request a full refund at their original point of
purchase. We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused and
looks forward to welcoming patrons to another performance of Les Misérables at Queens
Theatre.”