Tanzi Libre cancelled at Southwark Playhouse due to cast injury
The run of Tanzi Libre at Southwark Playhouse, the inaugural production at the venue’s new Elephant & Castle home, has been cancelled due to an injury to its leading actress Olivia Onyehara.
According to a statement on the venue’s website, “During a performance of Tanzi Libre at Southwark Playhouse in its opening week, the lead actress unfortunately suffered an injury and had to be taken to hospital. Although she is now recovering, she is not fit enough to continue with the rest of the run.
“It is with great regret that due to the complex nature of the role and the lack of time and resources to train someone new, Southwark Playhouse has no choice but to cancel all remaining performances.”
The incident occurred half way into Thursday’s performance, which had to be called off.
A spokesperson for the production told Whatsonstage.com: “She
spent the evening in hospital, received medication and was discharged on
the advice that she rest for at least two weeks. We initially cancelled
performances on Friday and Saturday but it became clear by the weekend
that we would have to cancel the rest of the run too. It’s a huge shame
as bookings were great, audiences seemed to be enjoying it and it got a
few really positive reviews after its press night on 21 May.”
The play is an updated version of Clare Luckham’s Trafford Tanzi. Set in a South London wrestling ring, it centres on Tanzi (Onyehara) and her love interest,
Dean Rebel, who have more than just their titles to fight for when they’re
pitted against each other for the ‘fight of the decade’.
According to press material, the play “follows
Tanzi’s life from the moment she was born until she falls in love, discovers the realities of the wrestling world and invents her signature
move, the deadly Venus Flytrap.”
Booking is now closed and all ticket holders have reportedly been informed. Any remaining enquiries should be directed to the box office on 020 7407 0234.
