Police were called to a theatre in Manchester after a “disturbance” during a performance of hit musical The Bodyguard.
Theatre-goers tweeted to say the show at the city’s Palace Theatre was stopped 10 minutes before the end because of people “singing over the lead during the final song”.
Two people were removed from the venue, Greater Manchester Police said.
Six officers attended and images on social media showed two police cars and a police transit van outside following the incident on Friday.
A decision about further action will be made once evidence has been reviewed, the force added.
“Officers were called to the Palace Theatre last night after staff reported a number of people in the audience causing a disturbance,” a spokesperson said.
“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.”
The performance had already been briefly paused during its first act to evict a handful of people who would not refrain from singing, the Manchester Evening News reported.
‘A mini riot’
One person tweeted: “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.”
Coral Mckeown said: “Can’t believe we was all kicked out 10 minutes before the end. Disrespectful idiots singing and screaming. I felt for the amazing performers and gutted I didn’t get to see the end.”
Karl Bradley tweeted: “I’m new to the world of theatre. But sad and disappointed tonight at the state of some people’s arrogance and disrespect while at a show.
“Completely ruined The Bodyguard, singing over the actors, to the point of them cancelling the show & police being called.”
Lead star ‘fought really hard’ not to end show early
Ayden Callaghan stars as Frank Farmer and Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron. Pic: Paul Coltas and Matt Crockett
Former Pussycat Dolls singer Melody Thornton, who plays the lead role of Rachel Marron, shared a video on Instagram apologising that the performance had to be stopped early.
She said: “I wanted to send a really special message to people in Manchester who came to the show tonight to say thank you so much.
“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’m just very, very sorry that we couldn’t finish the show.
“I fought really hard. It feels awful. I just hope that we will see you again. The Bodyguard is a great show, it’s a wonderful story, love story, and I know people were out to see just a really beautiful show.
“I thank everyone who was respectful of the performers and very, very sorry for those who weren’t. I hope that we will see you soon.”
‘A few badly behaved individuals ruined it’
Former Hollyoaks actor Ayden Callaghan, who plays bodyguard Frank Farmer, tweeted: “Theatre pulled the show at the end tonight because of disgusting behaviour.
“We wanted to carry on but it had become a major incident. I’m really sorry to what was 99.9% a brilliant audience that a few badly behaved individuals ruined it.”
A spokesperson for the Palace Theatre said: “The performance of The Bodyguard at the Palace Theatre, Manchester was stopped at 9.40pm last night and not continued.
“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.
“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.”
