Wednesday's matinee at the Noël Coward Theatre has been scrapped and all tickets taken off sale, according to multiple reports. An insider described the production as an 'absolute farce'. This is not the first disruption: two Saturday performances were previously cancelled, and Erivo was seen running the London marathon the following day. Fans were reportedly told of that cancellation only three hours before the matinee was due to start.
The show, which launched in February, has divided critics. Some praised Erivo's 'incredible feat of endurance' in playing all 23 parts, while others said the play 'lacks bite'. Audience members have expressed disappointment, with some alleging the star was being 'fed her lines'. During one performance, an audience member filmed the production on their phone, causing a ten-minute halt.
Ticket holders have been told they can exchange their tickets for another day. One fan said it was the second time their show was cancelled, calling the handling 'unacceptable'. The official reason for the cancellation has not been given, and it remains unclear whether future performances will proceed as scheduled.