Poor ticket sales has forced producers behind the collapsed Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre to cancel its Hong Kong run of musical Matilda.
Ticket-holders received an email explaining that the production would not go ahead because civil unrest in Hong Kong has caused slow uptake of tickets.
Lunchbox Theatrical Productions was due to present a season of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Matilda in Hong Kong from September 20 to October 20.
The announcement has coincided with the Shakespeare’s Rose Theatre set to go into liquidation following “unsustainable losses” from its summer season. The pop-up venue, produced by Lunchbox, ran productions in York and Blenheim Palace this summer.
The email statement from Lunchbox Theatrical Productions’ chief executive James Cundall said, according to the Stage: “Sadly, the 14 weeks of civil unrest in Hong Kong have decimated ticket sales, and more importantly we cannot guarantee the safety and well-being of our international company, which comprises a large number of young children.
“I realise this will come as a great disappointment to those who have purchased tickets, and we very much hope to bring this superb show to Hong Kong next year.”
Cundall told The Stage that refunds would be available through the production’s partner HK Ticketing.
Royal Shakespeare Company executive director Catherine Mallyon said the company was “very sorry to hear the news that the production of Matilda The Musical will not be opening in Hong Kong.
“We are particularly sorry for those audiences missing out. The production will continue with its tour of China later in the year and we very much hope the show will come to Hong Kong soon.”
Image: Charlotte Graham
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