Huge show coming to Birmingham axed as ticketholders say 'disgraceful'

A major musical scheduled to take to the stage in Birmingham this summer has been cancelled, leaving ticketholders fuming. Bonnie and Clyde was set for a five-night run at Birmingham Hippodrome this September as part its UK tour.

Former Coronation Street star Catherine Tyldesley had been leading the cast as head gangster Blanche Barrow. However, show bosses announced just hours before their next show on Tuesday that the tour had been concluded 'with immediate effect', prompting backlash from theatre fans who had already purchased tickets.

Posting on X, the production team wrote: "Bonnie and Clyde The Musical will conclude its UK and Ireland tour with immediate effect. We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production. Ticket holders will be contacted by their point of purchase shortly with further information."

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Birmingham Hippodrome, which had been heavily advertising the show, also released a statement on its website, saying: "As of Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the forthcoming production of Bonnie & Clyde has sadly been cancelled. Our Information and Sales teams will be in contact with all ticket holders over the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience and support. We kindly ask that bookers do not contact us directly as we work through orders.

The venue shared a note from the producers, confirming that the reason behind the cancellation was 'due to disappointing ticket sales' making it 'no longer financially viable to continue with the tour. The award-winning musical began its tour in Leicester in February and had garnered five-star reviews and standing ovations at theatres across the country.

Responding to the news on social media as theatre fans blasted the decision, branding it 'disgraceful'. One ticketholder @ry_mcflyy said: "You used the word 'conclude' when you should be using 'cancelled'. A disgraceful decision just a few hours before a run of shows in Southend which people have already travelled to. Well done to your producers for ruining a great show with a cult following that’ll now be lost."

Another fan, @grace29538507, replied: "Absolutely gutted for the cast and customers - the most fantastic show and the most fantastic cast. Maybe needed a bit more marketing to get the word out on how fab it was. Feel sad everyone wasn’t given some proper notice. Brutal industry."

Vicky Lewis wrote: "Such a shame, it is incredible I’m so glad we got to see it. I think theatres need to reduce ticket prices, some are astronomical and are just too far from people’s price range. A whole new generation could be missing out on an amazing cultural experience and love of theatre."

And @miss_shazzle said: "Hugely disappointing. Was so looking forward to seeing this at my local theatre in Sep. Love and thoughts to all those involved."