Chichester Festival Theatre cancels show after cast member ‘physically pursued’ through town in attack

Chichester Festival Theatre was forced to cancel a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream last night after a cast member was “physically pursued” through the town.

In a statement to WhatsOnStage, the venue said: “We were deeply shocked that a member of the company of A Midsummer Night’s Dream was the victim of an appallingly abusive attack, aggressively hounded and physically pursued through the centre of Chichester, in the early evening prior to the performance on Tuesday 13 October.

“The victim, company and staff were understandably extremely shaken by the incident and as a result, we took the decision to cancel the evening performance. Justin Audibert (artistic director) made an announcement to the audience and we were very grateful for their sympathy and understanding; the box office will be in touch with all ticket holders to arrange return visits or refunds.

“Since this matter will be in the hands of the police, we cannot go into further details at this time. Thankfully the cast member concerned is not physically injured; and with the goodwill and resolve of our outstanding company, performances will resume today until the end of the run on Saturday.

“We are profoundly sad and dismayed that such an atrocious thing has happened here in Chichester, and know that the vast majority of our fellow citizens will share our repugnance. We will do everything in our power to support the actor affected, and our companies, now and in the future.”