A “medical emergency” caused the opening night of the Only Fools And Horses: The Musical to be forced to a halt on Monday evening. Theatregoers at The Winter Gardens in Blackpool were evacuated during the interval, posting the second act of the show.
Paramedics were called to the scene, with it later being revealed that a member of the audience had fallen ill. The theatre issued a statement on Tuesday, after the unfortunate event, explaining that all of those affected would be able to transfer their tickets to another night or request a refund.
It read: “During last night’s performance of Only Fools and Horses The Musical, a medical emergency involving a member of the audience occurred during the interval in the front stalls area of the auditorium. Due to the nature of the incident and in accordance with venue protocols, the decision was taken to evacuate the theatre and postpone the remainder of the show.”
It continued: “All affected ticket holders will receive an email today with full details on how to transfer their tickets to another performance this week, or how to request a refund if they are unable to attend an alternative date. We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our staff, the visiting company, and the emergency services for their swift and professional response.
“Our thoughts and well wishes are with the individual involved and their family at this time. We thank everyone for their patience and understanding during these exceptional circumstances.”
Guests at the theatre were quick to praise the staff for their quick reaction and calm response to the incident. Posting to social media, one shared: “We were there and commend your staff for the professional way they dealt with this medical emergency.
“I’ve worked in a theatre and evacuating everyone is not a straightforward process. Sending our best wishes to the patient who we hope has a swift and full recovery.”
Another added: “A shame this incident happened, especially on opening night. The show from what we saw was excellent. Hopefully we’ll get another chance to see it,” while a third said: “The evacuation procedure seemed to work very well. Every credit to your staff who reacted very professionally, especially the young lady who was guiding everyone outside and allowed emergency services to quickly make their way to the scene.”
Only Fools And Horses: The Musical is currently touring the UK following a four-year sold-out run-in London’s West End. It will finish its tour on July 5 in Dublin at Bord Gais Energy Theatre and is currently at The Winter Gardens until May 3.