Theatregoers ‘terrified’ as vandal runs amok at Old Red Lion

The man, who is described as being in his 20s, smashed up the set, threatened audience members with violence and then ran out of the theatre.

The statement continues: “Obviously, this was a very frightening experience for audience, cast and
stage management alike.  Fortunately, the pub is well covered with
CCTV, so producers believe that there is a strong chance of catching the
person responsible … The
police were also called.”

One theory is that the perpetrator was among a group of football fans who regularly come to the pub to watch games on the big screen.

Robert Shaw, the producer and director of Happy New, commented: “I am
appalled that my company and audience members were subjected to this
malicious, wholly unprovoked attack on artists doing their job and
earning their living. I am determined that this cowardly act of assault
and criminal damage will not stop artists from earning their living or
audiences from coming to watch our very popular production.”

Despite the unforeseen interruption, last night’s performance continued through to its conclusion. Happy New, which stars Helen Duff, Ed Birch and Harry Potter‘s Alfred Enoch, runs until 23 March.