Theatre cancels five-week run of Shakespeare play in 'row over Palestine and trans rights'

A show has been cancelled following a row over pro-Palestine and transgender rights, it has been reported. A re-imagining of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream was due to begin a five-week run at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

The play was to be set in the city with a drum 'n' bass soundtrack and was scheduled to run from September 6 to October 12. But the first few performances were cancelled due to a cast injury and 'technical issues', theatregoers were told.

They were then contacted on Saturday, September 14, and informed the production's entire run had been axed. The Royal Exchange Theatre said the decision followed a ' a number of issues with the production' and insisted 'every effort was made to get the show on'.

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Anyone with tickets has been assured of a full refund. And now, it has been reported that a turbulent week contributed to the show's cancellation.

A row was understood to have broken out following an internal preview on September 6. The production included a song which referred to trans rights and the phrase 'free Palestine', Manchester Evening News reports.

The song was to involve the audience and theatre bosses called for the section to be removed. However, director Stef O'Driscoll was said to have insisted it remain in the show - a decision supported by her cast.

A source close to the production said: "They did the first preview, at which point the theatre said they are going to have to cut the reference to trans rights and free Palestine. The director said - no, this is my direction, it's what it's always been, we've had weeks and months and you are now trying to change it after the first preview. The company were very solid and unified."

Performances then began to be cancelled and postponed and The Royal Exchange Theatre confirmed a preview on September 6 was cancelled due to cast injury. Acting union Equity confirmed the cast and workforce had been paid for the run in full.

This will cost the theatre tens of thousands of pounds, it has been claimed. Ticketholders were told 'technical difficulties' had led to the show on September 10 being cancelled, before an announcement the following day that the week's performances were being postponed due to 'ongoing' issues.

A meeting took place last Wednesday between theatre staff and the company to try to resolve the disagreement. Acting union Equity and directors' union Stage Directors UK also stepped in and the meeting took place hours before a press preview had been scheduled.

Speaking to Manchester Evening News, a source said: "Wednesday was meant to be press night, by which point you would expect enthusiasm from people on social media - nothing at all. On Wednesday the cast were called in for a meeting at 11am to resolve it, they couldn't.

"At the weekend they couldn't agree, the director had walked, so they cancelled it." The entire run was eventually cancelled on Saturday with an email sent to ticketholders at midday. A source close to the production added: "This is a big deal for them. They've been through the wars financially, through Covid. I know people that are directly involved. They are really devastated about it."

Alicia Forde, who previously starred in BBC's Time and Waterloo Road, was due to play Lysander. She wrote on her Instagram story: "Much love for the messages about the cancellation of our show A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Exchange.

"Not ignoring you I promise, just taking some time... big love to the cast and crew, it was a special one x." A spokesperson for Equity said: "We are supporting members in dealing with the impact of this cancellation on their wellbeing and future relationships with the venue. Whilst we're pleased that the workforce will not be out of pocket, the issues that have led to the cancellation of the production require further discussion with Manchester Royal Exchange.

"Equity has today contacted the theatre requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the reasons for cancellation, the impact on our members and the steps being taken now. We remain very concerned about this situation and its impact on our members."

Manchester musician Salo, who was due to play as the moon, wrote on an Instagram story: "A Midsummer Night's Dream has been cancelled. Apologies to everyone that was so excited to see this theatre production.

"The work I put into this was huge and I'm f****** gutted for myself and everyone involved. Don't wanna talk about it too much as I'm emotionally drained but will answer any questions about it at a later date. Just need some time to process."

The Royal Exchange Theatre, Stage Directors UK and representatives of Stef O'Driscoll have been approached for comment by Manchester Evening News.