Could Bugs Delay La Cage aux Folles Again???

The company manager at the Menier Chocolate Factory must be tearing his hair out – when not ordering in truckloads of vitamins and good luck charms. La Cage Aux Folles, the venue’s “Christmas” musical which is already top contender for the award for the most bug-ridden production of the past 12 months, has been laid low again. Last night’s performance was cancelled when four dancers from the ensemble called in sick.

Originally due to open on 3 December 2007 (previews from 23 November), La Cage’s first press night was cancelled after rehearsals were thrown into disarray because of flu running rampant through the company. A second press night arranged for 13 December was then axed as star Douglas Hodge continued to recover from a serious chest infection (See News, 28 Nov 2007). (And, as if poor health wasn’t enough to worry about, another performance just before Christmas was cancelled thanks to a power cut.)

A show spokesperson told Whatsonstage.com today that Hodge, who has been back with the company since Boxing Day, is unaffected by the latest virus. It’s hoped that performances will resume this evening and that – touch wood! – the re-rescheduled press night will go ahead as planned next Wednesday, 9 January 2008.