The Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s opening night took a turn when a medical emergency led to the death of an audience member during the Opening Night Allstars Supershow at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda.
The incident occurred around 9pm, prompting emergency services to be called to the venue.
Festival organisers issued a statement expressing their regret over the situation: “Melbourne International Comedy Festival regrets to confirm that there was a medical emergency while the Opening Night Allstars Supershow was taking place this evening at the Palais Theatre. The show was stopped and cancelled.”
They also assured that they would be in touch with all ticketholders today.
The police have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The deceased, who has not been formally identified, passed away at the scene.
The show, which was meant to be a highlight of the festival with a star-studded lineup, was halted after audience members alerted the performers to the emergency.
According to an attendee named John, “people were walking out crying” as the situation unfolded, per ABC Radio Melbourne. He noted that the performers on stage continued for about 15 minutes before being informed of the situation, which led to the show being stopped.
“It was actually patrons in the top row that yelled out pretty passionately to stop the show, then obviously the hosts came out (and stopped the show).”
Festival Director Susan Provan acknowledged the distressing nature of the event to the radio show: “Our hearts are with the family and everybody else. It was a very distressing evening for everybody involved.”
She explained that the show was halted as soon as the emergency became clear, but conceded that it would have “felt like an eternity” for those aware of the situation.
Comedians Dave Hughes and Tahir expressed their condolences on social media. Hughes said, “All performers’ thoughts are with the family affected,” while Tahir noted, “Sad news but correctly handled all round. Well done everyone and thoughts with those involved.”
However, some attendees expressed concern over how the emergency was handled. Musician Emily Daye shared her thoughts on Instagram, stating, “My thoughts are with the family during this difficult time. It was deeply concerning that the show continued for nearly two comedy acts while CPR and defibrillator shocks were being administered in the dark.”
The festival will continue as planned, with the exception of the affected show. The incident did not impact the pre-recorded Gala event that aired on television last night, as it’s not the same as the the Opening Night Allstars Supershow. Police will be preparing a report for the coroner regarding the incident.
PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to Melbourne International Comedy Festival for comment.
Lead image: Palais Theatre / Instagram
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