The lead star of The Bodyguard musical has taken to Instagram to apologise following the chaos at the show at Manchester's Palace Theatre last night.
Melody Thornton, who plays the lead role of Rachel Marron, said she was 'very, very sorry' the performance had to be stopped early on Friday evening and that she 'fought really hard' to finish. She said she was 'grateful' for those in the audience who had bought tickets and 'respected' those on stage throughout the performance.
Her apology came after police were called to the Oxford Street venue when 'staff reported a number of people in the audience causing a disturbance'. Audience members reportedly repeatedly sang over performers, despite the show's producers asking the public to not to - and installing signs around the auditorium.
Before police stepped in, the musical had already been briefly paused during its first act to evict a handful of people who would not refrain from singing. Then, 10 minutes before the finale of the show, 'mini riots' and 'fights' broke out among those watching.
Two women were captured on video footage being dragged out of the upper circle of the theatre.
Melody said she 'did not have all of the details', but said she was 'very sorry'. On her Instagram story, she said: "I wanted to send a really special message to people in Manchester who came to the show tonight, to say 'thank you so much'.
"I respect that you paid your money and I am so grateful to everyone who respects the people on stage who want to give you a beautiful show. For everything that happened tonight, I can't say, I don't have all of the details.
"I just am very very sorry that we couldn't finish the show. I fought really hard, it feels awful. I just hope that we see you again.
"The Bodyguard is a great show, it's a wonderful story, love story. And I know people were out just to see a really beautiful show and I think everyone who was respectful of the performers, I am very sorry for those who weren't.
"Hopefully we see you soon. That's it, thank you, love you."
Ayden Callaghan, who plays bodyguard Frank Farmer in the musical, also took to Twitter following the drama.
The former Hollyoaks actor tweeted: "Theatre pulled the show at the end tonight because of disgusting behaviour. We wanted to carry on but it had become a major incident. I’m really sorry to what was 99.9% a brilliant audience that a few badly behaved individuals ruined it."
This morning, Greater Manchester Police issued a statement on the incident and said two people were removed by security staff. Evidence is now being 'reviewed' before a decision will be made on whether any further action will be taken.
In full, the GMP statement said: "Officers were called to the Palace Theatre last night (7 April 2023) after staff reported a number of people in the audience causing a disturbance.
"Two people removed by security staff were spoken to by police and a decision about any further action will be made once the evidence has been reviewed." The spokesperson added that riot police were not deployed to the scene, as previously reported.
The Manchester Evening News has contacted the Palace Theatre for comment.
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
- 'Got some good weed, bro': The street near Manchester city centre where you get offered drugs in minutes
- Moment women are dragged out of The Bodyguard musical in Manchester as police called in to stop audience singing
- The most affordable homes up for sale in Greater Manchester right now - with prices starting from £60k
- The boy who only wants to eat chocolate and jam sandwiches
- Horror as Greater Manchester beauty spot turned into a murder scene
