Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre issue statement on impact of Queen Elizabeth II's state funeral on live performances

Most shows have cancelled performances on 19 September.

Following the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral on 19 September, many West End shows have announced that they will cancel their scheduled performances on that date.

In a statement from Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre:

“Due to the scheduling of the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, and out of respect for all who are mourning, most shows in central London have now announced that they will be closing on 19 September.

Throughout the period of national mourning, performances will go ahead as planned but we would advise audiences coming into central London to allow more time for their journeys to and from the theatre from Wednesday when the Queen will be lying in State.

In regards to the national one minute silence at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, shows that are playing on that evening will mark this prior to curtain up.”

Cancelled shows so far include Antigone, Back to the Future: The Musical, Bright Half Life, Cabaret, Come From Away, Eureka Day, Grease, Hamilton, Jersey Boys, Les Miserables, Life of Pi, Mamma Mia!, Mary Poppins, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Only Fools and Horses, The Book of Mormon, The Mousetrap, The Phantom of the Opera, and To Kill a Mockingbird. Find out more about how theatres are responding to Queen Elizabeth II's passing.

If you have booked tickets for performances for any of the affected shows with London Theatre, we will reach out to you with next steps.

During the period of national mourning, theatres are expected to remain open from tonight and for the duration of the period of national mourning up until the funeral.

Theatres across the country will dim their lights at 7pm for 2 minutes each evening as a mark of respect, which is theatre’s traditional way to honour those that have passed.