THE PRODUCTION of Coriolanus at the RSC came to a standstill last night (September 23), after parts of the set ‘violently’ collapsed.
The audience was forced to take a number of intervals as the set fell apart twice and a shutter crashed to the ground.
Some members of the audience were left disappointed following the show and and some even left before it had finished.
One angry theatre-goer said: “I paid a lot of money as a treat myself and the show was ruined. This is the Royal Shakespeare Company, there’s not supposed to be anybody better.
“You have all day to check the set and make sure it’s right before the performance.
“It could have caused an industrial accident if the actors had been in the way.”
And someone on social media tweeted: “I’m off home, I can’t take it anymore. The set violently collapsed twice in the space of ten minutes. It was traumatic.”
But production staff were praised by some for handling the disruption professionally, and seeing the production through to the end.
One person tweeted: “Fabulous performance tonight despite huge tech problems with scenery. Bravo. Says much about the professionalism and strength of the company.”
An RSC spokesman said: “”The incident posed no danger to the actors or the audience, reflecting our serious approach to health and safety.
“The situation was reviewed with the decision to continue the performance without using the shutters.
“This part of the set is being examined today (Monday 25 Sept) and adjustments will be made as needed.
“We are aware that some audience members were distressed and disappointed by the disruption, and we are sorry for this and any inconvenience caused by the delay to the show.
“If any members of Saturday night’s audience wish to discuss their booking they should contact the Box Office on 01789 403493.
“Performances will continue as normal. ”
Coriolanus runs in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre until October 14, before transferring to the Barbican Theatre in London from November 6 to 18.
Visit www.rsc.org.uk for further information.
