Singing Patrons Disrupt Performance of The Bodyguard, Police Called

The police were called following a “mini-riot” at the Palace Theatre, where a performance of The Bodyguard had to cancel before finishing.

According to social media reports and a police statement, an altercation between audience members broke out when some audience members attempted to sing along during one of the show’s numbers and were asked to stop.

One tweeter, tashalou96 said: “Went to The Palace Theatre in Manchester to watch The Bodyguard and a bunch of entitled pr**ks starting singing over the lead during the final song. A riot broke out, the show was cancelled and the police were called.”

Another, harps_joey, posted pictures of people having to leave the auditorium, saying: “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.”

One of the show’s leads, Ayden Callaghan, said: “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 per cent a brilliant audience that a few badly behaved individuals ruined it.”

Another cast member, Emily-Mae, said on social media yesterday: “What a shame that a few can spoil it for the many. Theatre is and should be an inclusive, safe, friendly environment to escape from the outside world.

“Please be respectful and mindful of the human beings on and behind stage delivering highly rehearsed, trained and professional performances.

“Of course there are many different mediums of entertainment; some which include audience participation and others that don’t. Creative people love what they do and want to entertain and finish their shows. Please please please, be respectful and empathetic. I wouldn’t go to a Michelin star restaurant and start chopping onions.”

You can see the moment the women were removed from the theater, which was captured by Emma Louise Yates and reposted by The Sun:

The Palace Theatre has issued a statement: “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.

“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.”