The Stage

First two performances of Oliver! cancelled for more rehearsal time

Published Thursday 11 December 2008 at 16:15 by Alistair Smith

Cameron Mackintosh’s revival of Oliver! has cancelled its first two previews at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, due to difficulties rehearsing the production’s large cast of children.

The evening show tomorrow (Friday) and the Saturday matinee have been called off. The first preview will now be at 7.30pm on Saturday (December 13).

Mackintosh explained: “Due to the complexity of the production and the need to safely rehearse 150 children with the adult company of 35 actors on a moving set, we have decided that we need extra rehearsal time and therefore, with great regret, I have decided to cancel the first two previews.

“Licensing regulations require us to have three teams of 50 children, many of whom are on stage for most of the show. Each scene has to be rehearsed three times and, as the set is very large and complicated, it is imperative that they are rehearsed in complete safety.

“I am terribly sorry for the disappointment this will cause, but my team are doing everything to reseat patrons into future performances as quickly as possible. In the meantime, we are working towards creating a fantastic show which will be the largest production of Oliver! ever seen.”

Customers booked in to these cancelled performances are advised to contact their original point of sale to arrange an exchange or refund.