A performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Chichester Festival Theatre was cancelled on Tuesday evening (13 October), following reports that a member of the cast had been attacked.
V2 Radio understands theatregoers had already taken their seats and were waiting for the performance to begin when the cancellation was announced.
According to an eyewitness account shared on social media, the theatre's Artistic Director came onto the stage to explain that the show could not go ahead following an incident involving a cast member earlier in the evening.
Toby Ostrom, who said he was among the audience, wrote on Facebook: "At The Festival Theatre tonight to see ‘A Midsummer Nights Dream’ - show is packed and about to start when the Artistic Director walks on the say the show is cancelled after one of the cast was assaulted in Chichester earlier"
He added: "Sign of the times. How sad"
It is not yet known which cast member was involved, whether they sustained any injuries or whether police are investigating.
The production of Shakespeare's famous comedy, which stars comedian and satirist Munya Chawawa as Bottom, has been running at Chichester Festival Theatre since 18 September.
Directed by Justin Audibert and Hannah Joss, the production transports Shakespeare's story to Sussex in the 1990s, against a backdrop of rave culture and traditional values.
The show is scheduled to continue until Saturday 17 October.
It is currently unclear whether the reported incident will affect any remaining performances.
V2 Radio has asked Chichester Festival Theatre and Sussex Police for an official comment.
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