Those in the theatre can be a superstitious bunch. And perhaps they are right to be so with a wave of first night mishaps that have been happening throughout performances this year. First night nerves can get to the best of actors but having to put up with other issues out of your control can be terrifying.
Back in February when the majority of the West End was affected by snow blizzards ,the premier of opera, Into the Little Hill, was met with problems of a different kind when the actors were forced to stage the opera in the bar due to a power cut in the auditorium. Still, at least is solved the issue of not being able to take drinks to your seats.
Again in February of this year another play found itself dealing with problems during press night. The production of ‘Private Lives’ playing at the Hampstead theatre found itself interrupted by a fire alarm going off, while at the premier of the ‘History Boys’ production a fire sprinkler system was activated causing the show to begin an hour late.
No matter how the actors prepare for their roles it seems in theatre things will always be set to go wrong, whether it be intruder alarm systems going off or fire sprinkler systems causing problems in the middle of a production or power cuts causing the production itself to move locations; theatre will always be an art form where no two nights are ever the same.
What Else To Look Out For
Filled under: Theatre