Theatregoers at the iconic Shakespeare's Globe in Southwark were forced to evacuate after a rogue firework plunged into the open-air venue.
The incident occurred around 10pm on Wednesday during a performance of William Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra'.
As the play neared its finale, red-coloured fireworks suddenly illuminated the night sky, accompanied by shouting.
Eyewitnesses said that a spent firework fell into the standing section of the theatre, narrowly missing audience members and causing a smell of smoke. The near-miss prompted an immediate halt to the performance and evacuation of the premises.
Tooting resident Mark Johnson, who was attending the play on his 30th birthday, said it was a “miracle” nobody was hurt.
waiting for my train at embankment and a ton of these fireworks started going off by the millennium bridge? does anybody know what that's about?? pic.twitter.com/s5aZYLB9dF
— maddie hindes (@madeleinelily) August 7, 2024
Johnson told MailOnline: “It was really confusing. It felt like it was near the end of the performance when we saw bright red lights in the sky. Most of the audience looked up and we saw fireworks and there was a general sense of confusion. Even the actors and actresses looked up.”
The disruption prompted staff to halt the performance and direct audience members to the basement, where they remained for 20 minutes before being allowed to exit the venue.
A message displayed on a screen onstage read: “Unfortunately it is necessary to end the performance. Please exit the theatre following direction from our stewarding team. The ticketing team will process refunds as soon as possible and contact you if necessary.”
It is believed the firework was part of a larger display set off by football fans celebrating the birthday of an Algerian club.
Videos circulating on social media showed dozens of pyrotechnics illuminating the sky above the Thames.
The flare is thought to have been fired as part of a celebration display marking the birthday of Algerian football team Mouloudia Club d'Alger, which was founded on August 7, 1921.
A spokesperson for the Globe said: “At 10pm on Wednesday 7 August, fireworks and flares were set off from Millennium Bridge. The Globe building was immediately locked down, and the audience and company were invacuated and held until 10.50pm when the Police gave notice that it was safe to leave. All audiences, company members, and staff were evacuated and got home safely.
“We are continuing to gather the facts regarding exactly what happened. The Globe Box Office will be in contact with all audience members who attended last night’s performance.
“As a major visitor destination in London, we have emergency measures in place. These protocols were followed in a calm and considered manner, and we would like to thank all our audience members, company members, staff, and volunteers for supporting us last night for a safe response to the situation.”
