The Browning Version cancelled
London theatre news: Monday 19 July 2021
Off-West End - Shows
The Browning Version at Riverside Studios has been cancelled due to an increasing number of Covid-enforced absences.
Image courtesy Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company and Fiery Angel
Though today marks the 'freedom day' we've all been waiting for to release us from the burdens of legal restrictions on what we can do, the end of the government's roadmap has turned into something of a nightmare for theatres and producers alike.
Several productions have already announced postponed openings and cancellations of performances, even though theatres are now able once again to legally welcome audiences through their doors, without any limits on capacity.
The reasons for the cancellations and postponements revolve around the need for cast and crew to isolate if they contract coronavirus or have been in contact with someone who has it.
Applying strict rules for rehearsals and performances, theatres and producers now face staff absences, sometimes on a significant scale.
In the case of The Browning Version - which was due to play at Riverside Studios from 5 to 29 August - a first run-through of the show found only four of the seven cast able or allowed to perform.
And company members have been robbed of more than two thirds of the limited rehearsal time with some of them isolating and some actually ill.
The producers, the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company and Fiery Angel have now decided to cancel the show, which was set to raise funds for RADA.
It's unlikely that this will be the last show to find itself in difficulties given the need for company members to isolate - so we strongly advise you to check with theatre websites for the latest information if you are about to attend a show.
However, all is not quite lost for RADA at least, which will receive a donation from the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company.
And the company hopes to return to Riverside Studios as and when the prevailing circumstances allow.
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