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Minor Explosion Puts NT's Schedule In Doubt

A minor explosion inside the National Theatre has resulted in the cancellation of tonight's performances of Howard Katz and The Relapse. Few staff were being allowed inside the building today, after the theatre's main transformer blew late on Sunday night.

As yet, no details have been announced concerning the rest of the week, although Mark Ravenhill's major new play Mother Clap's Molly House is due to open at the National this Wednesday. The theatre's management is anxiously trying to resolve the problem, which caused the fire services to be called out, although no injuries were reported.

The actual cause of the incident seems to be unconfirmed so far, although no such occurrence has befallen the National before. Damage to electrical equipment appears to have been fairly significant, and it may be a couple of days yet before the full effects can be ascertained.

Forthcoming attractions at the National's three auditoriums include August Wilson's US drama Jitney, the Edinburgh Fringe award-winner Gagarin Way and Bill Bryden's new collaboration with John Tams and Lee Hall entitled The Good Hope.

- by Gareth Thompson

Update: 21 August 2001. Persisting power problems have resulted in the further cancellation of tonight's shows at the National too. Two of the venue's on-site generators have gone out of action, and the opening preview of Mother Clap's Molly House at the Lyttelton has now been moved to this Friday 24 August. However, the NT have informed us that they hope to have power back by this evening and that tomorrow's performances in the Olivier (The Relapse) and the Cottesloe (Howard Katz) could go ahead.

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