Waitress in London cancelled both shows on Saturday leaving audience members angry and out of pocket.
Waitress announced the cancellation of two shows on Saturday at ‘last minute’ which has left audience members extremely angry.
Based on the 2007 film of the same name and with music and lyrics by Sara Bareilles, ‘Waitress’ follows Jenna, an expert pie-maker who dreams of a better life.
The synopsis reads: “When a hot new doctor arrives in town, life gets complicated. With the support of her workmates Becky and Dawn, Jenna overcomes the challenges she faces and finds that laughter, love and friendship can provide the perfect recipe for happiness.”
Audiences members for the matinee show at 2:30PM and evening performance at 7:30PM were told last minute that the West End show will not go ahead – despite staff at the Adelphi Theatre allowing ticket holders to take their seats.
According to sources, producers decided to cancel today’s show because there was nobody to play the lead Jenna.
A spokesperson for the theatre said: “Due to circumstances beyond our control, this evening’s performance of Waitress at the Adelphi Theatre has been cancelled. We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you’ve booked directly with us, you should receive an email shortly; or return to your point of purchase.”
They added: “The Waitress company have decided to sing a few songs from the show in a concert version at 19.30pm, for any ticket holders who would like to stay for it. By staying to watch the numbers performed, patrons will not forfeit their refund/exchange, & will still be entitled to this.”
Ticket holders have taken to Twitter to vent their frustration at not being told the news sooner, one said: “My daughter was so excited for her birthday celebration at the show this afternoon, she’s been looking forward to this trip to London for months. To be sat down, in the theatre, having taken their seats, to be told the show is cancelled is an absolute disgrace #WaitressLondon”
My daughter was so excited for her birthday celebration at the show this afternoon, she's been looking forward to this trip to London for months. To be sat down, in the theatre, having taken their seats, to be told the show is cancelled is an absolute disgrace #WaitressLondon
— Sarah Eva (@Sarah_h_eva) January 11, 2020
Another audience member said: “Disappointed that we were only told when we sat down that the show today had been cancelled. These decisions should be made and communicated earlier in the day if cast are unwell. My little sister is so disappointed #waitresslondon”
@WaitressLondon disappointed that we were only told when we sat down that the show today had been cancelled. These decisions should be made and communicated earlier in the day if cast are unwell. My little sister is so disappointed ☹️ #waitresslondon
— Katie Louise (@katielperkin) January 11, 2020
@WaitressLondon I fully sympathize with staff illness but i refuse to believe the cancellation today couldn't have been communicated earlier. Everyone bought their food and drinks only to be told it's cancelled. Not to mention those travelling far! Terrible. #WaitressLondon
— Daniel Flint (@Galaxyguy26) January 11, 2020
Fortunately I’m not in London but disappointed in @WaitressLondon for being so last minute in cancelling today’s matinee. The rest of the cast were there, yes? Could you not have given the audience a song or two? Something? After they bought merch and drinks and train tickets etc
— becca (@bxccalee) January 11, 2020
Yes they'd be doing everything to put the show on & last minute illness can't be helped but they knew this at 2.30. To not share the news on social media THEN so those booked for evening show didn't waste money travelling is very poor! #RespectYourAudience
— Wicked London News (@wicked_ldn_news) January 11, 2020
