Sigrid Bernhoerster
Audience members at The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time got the surprise of their lives this evening when the roof of the 112-year-old theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue collapsed on the evening of Thursday, December 19.
Witnesses reported “crackling” noises before the domed roof actually came down at approximately 20:15 (GMT) and some audience members even considered the noise part of the show. In serendipitous irony, the balcony so steep it has a disclaimer on the theatre’s website, was what protected people seated underneath it. However it is now believed that it was actually part of this balcony which collapsed.
Dozens injured as balcony collapses during show at Apollo theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue http://t.co/Or4D9OIPzN pic.twitter.com/Kdi7y8Fk08
— Evening Standard (@standardnews) December 19, 2013
No deaths from the 700-member audience have been reported, two people were trapped and approximately 65 people injured. North American media outlets are quoting tweets of reported casualties, which in UK English means that people have been injured. Eight fire engines are on scene as are multiple crews from London’s ambulance service.
The Apollo Theatre has not yet issued a statement or when/if performances will resume. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time transferred to the Apollo from the National Theatre’s Cottesloe Theatre in March of 2013 and currently has a scheduled run into October 2014. The play, based on the award-winning book by Mark Haddon, won seven Olivier Awards earlier in 2013, including Best New Play, Best Director (Marianne Elliott), Best Actor (Luke Treadaway), and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Nicola Walker).
We hope to continue reporting on the incident as more information becomes available. We send everyone affected – those in the audience and people involved in the production – our very best wishes.
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