(Image: Pamela Raith)
Theatregoers have been left devastated after another performance of Burlesque the Musical at Sunderland Empire was cancelled around an hour before curtain-up.
The production’s performance on August 17, was axed after several cast members fell ill.
In a statement issued on Monday evening, Sunderland Empire said: “Unfortunately this evening's performance of Burlesque is cancelled as several members of the cast have fallen ill today.
“We sincerely apologise for the late cancellation. Customers affected will be notified by email about the next steps.
“Thank you to our patrons for their continued patience and understanding.”
The cancellation follows a series of delays and technical issues which have affected the show’s Sunderland run.
The musical had initially been due to begin at the theatre on Thursday, August 6, before the opening was pushed back by a week because of technical requirements.
The show went ahead the following evening and has so far completed three performances in Sunderland.
The latest cancellation prompted further frustration from ticket holders, including one theatregoer who said they had travelled for two hours after already having a previous booking cancelled.
They said: “Absolutely outrageous, had a hotel booked last week and it was cancelled. Rescheduled for tonight, travelled for two hours to then see this an hour before curtain up. Wow.”
Another person described the production as “ill-fated”, adding: “Never known such an ill-fated production, been cancelled more than it’s been on.”
In a further statement issued today (August 18), Sunderland Empire said: “We apologise to customers affected by the cancellation of Monday’s performance of Burlesque The Musical, following several cast members falling ill after a successful opening weekend.
“The remainder of this week’s performances are currently scheduled to go ahead as planned.
“Anyone affected by the cancellation of Monday’s performance, or previous cancellations during the run due to technical requirements, can request a full refund via the email they received. Alternatively, customers can book for another performance using a full-credit voucher.
“We thank patrons for their patience and understanding.”
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The show is set to finish its run in Sunderland on August 22.
Burlesque the Musical is based on the 2010 film starring Christina Aguilera and Cher.
The UK tour was originally scheduled to open in Woking before being moved to Sunderland due to technical difficulties.