Strictly Ballroom first West End preview cancelled mid show due to burst pipe

A pipe burst midway through the first preview of Strictly Ballroom at Piccadilly Theatre, forcing the performance to end early.

The theatre manager announced inside the auditorium to audience members after a forced interval: "A pipe has burst onto the stage and flooded the electrics causing tonight's performance to be cancelled."

The show then clarified in a statement: "Unfortunately at the first preview of Strictly Ballroom tonight, there was a burst water main pipe backstage at the Piccadilly Theatre, which meant it was unsafe for the show to continue."

Performer Will Young later tweeted a video of director and choreographer Drew McOnie running around with buckets during the cleanup backstage.

Directed and choreographed by McOnie (In the Heights, Bugsy Malone, On the Town), the production stars Zizi Strallen (Mary Poppins) as Fran, Jonny Labey (In the Heights) as Scott and Young (Cabaret) as the band leader. McOnie's production opened at the West Yorkshire Playhouse in 2016 and now opens in the West End.

Patrons have been asked to contact their point of sale for information and check with the Piccadilly Theatre for updates on future performances.

Oh NO! Water pipe burst at Piccadilly Theatre, show cancelled but audience was amazing for first night!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/8nclUT6BVn

So disappointed for everyone that joined us @strictlystage tonight!! Thank you for being so with us up to the point when the pipe burst! Hope you can all come back and see the rest of the show! Lots of love

Burst pipe. Backstage flood. Show cancelled. Gutted. We were feeling the love. #StrictlyBallroom #soddensequins #soggysamba #soakingstagecrew pic.twitter.com/FrQf8fsvT5

Erk. Interval called due to technical issues just before the spanish festival.#strictlyballroom
Fingers crossed. So far it's been utterly fab.

Heart goes out to cast, crew and creatives of @strictlystage – first preview scuppered by a burst pipe. And it was FAB-U-LOUS! Will be back for the rest just as soon as I can #StrictlyBallroom

Kudos to everyone on @strictlystage @TeamPiccadilly. Huge love to cast crew creative and audience #mytwopenniesontheevent pic.twitter.com/4qimx51M7P

Strictly Ballroom the Musical. I was among the first to see it publicly. Unfortunately, they had to stop the show early because of technical difficulties… pic.twitter.com/KuZXwEszW3

A burst pipe has bloody gone and buggered #StrictlyBallroom.. what we’ve seen so far is bloody brilliant and I look forward to coming again!