A performance, ‘Les Miserables’ at the Sondheim Theatre, in the West End of London was interrupted when activists from the ‘Just Stop Oil’ group stormed the stage. The protesters chose the iconic number, “Do You Hear The People Sing?”, to make their grand entrance, displaying banners with the group’s name.
As the protest unfolded, actors on stage attempted to continue their performance momentarily before the safety curtain descended. Audience reactions varied, with some expressing their displeasure through boos and shouts, while an activist spoke to the crowd. In a strategic move, the activists attached themselves to the set, which led to the evacuation of the theatre.
The Metropolitan Police quickly intervened, resulting in the arrest of five individuals. In the wake of the disruption, William Village, CEO of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the significance of free expression while also acknowledging the audience’s right to enjoy their purchased event. Affected patrons are set to receive refunds.
Speaking on behalf of Just Stop Oil, Hannah Taylor connected the essence of the musical to the current environmental crisis, highlighting the desperate measures people might resort to in the face of impending catastrophe. Another protester, Poppy Bliss, conveyed her fear for the future, lamenting the necessity of such drastic measures, but emphasizing their importance given the gravity of the situation.
Several videos emerged online post the incident, where members of the activist group detailed their reasons for such an action, proudly donning t-shirts with the message: “The show can’t go on”.
This is not the first time Just Stop Oil has garnered attention through their bold actions. The group is renowned for disrupting major sporting events like The Ashes and Wimbledon, orchestrating walking protests during peak hours, and even targeting the Department for Energy and Net Zero with paint. Their protests align with those of Fossil Free London, which last month targeted Sadler’s Wells theatre, opposing Barclays’ involvement in a ballet rendition of ‘Romeo & Juliet’.