London’s Les Miserable performance witnessed a protest demonstration. A video shared by the group showed members storming a theatre stage on Shaftesbury Avenue and inviting the audience to “join the rebellion”. The Metropolitan Police reported that they were called to the protest at around 9 pm.
Just Stop Oil, an environmental activist group, is known for staging demonstrations at public events.
The protesters appeared at each end of the stage while performing the song Do You Hear The People Sing? In the shared footage, audience members are heard booing and telling the activists to “get off”. The protesters held up orange banners featuring the group’s logo, before the show’s cast – after attempting to continue – were escorted offstage. Just Stop Oil said the performance was stopped and the theatre was evacuated by 21:10.
In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Just Stop Oil said four people had “locked” themselves to the stage at the Sondheim Theatre.”Valjean (the protagonist in Les Miserables) steals bread to feed a starving child. How long before we are all forced to steal?” it added. The post continued: “The fossil fuel show can’t go on.”
William Village, chief executive of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres – which owns the Sondheim – said “safety protocols” had to be followed and “the audience were asked to leave the auditorium and the Met Police attended”.
“Regrettably, there was insufficient time to enable us to complete the rest of the performance,” he said in a statement.
Mackintosh added; “Whilst we recognise the importance of free expression, we must also respect our audience’s right to enjoy the event for which they have paid.”
On its website, Just Stop Oil says its ultimate aim is to “demand that the UK government stop licensing all new oil, gas and coal projects”.
