General News
19 May, 2024
Shrek sells out, and spills out after fire alarm scare
More than 4500 people poured through Horsham Town Hall doors for Shrek the Musical - and 450 of them poured out in a hurry when a rogue fire alarm sounded on Saturday night.
More than 4500 people poured through Horsham Town Hall doors for Shrek the Musical - and 450 of them poured out in a hurry when a rogue fire alarm sounded on Saturday night.
A sellout audience over nine performances equalled records set by Seussical and Annie, as the curtain fell on Horsham Arts Council's latest production.
Only a sensory show had a few tickets outstanding.
But the last night was not without unrehearsed drama when patrons were evacuated just before interval.
The packed audience at Saturday's performance was engrossed in a conversation between Shrek, played by Tim O'Donnell, and Donkey (Chris Versteegen) when bells sounded.
It took a few seconds to register with the audience this was not part of the play.
However, as the curtains fell, Town Hall staff sprang into action, and when a loud recorded voice informed people to evacuate the building, it was time to move to a carpark to the building's east.
Parents and children remained calm as cast, in full costume, mingled with them, discussing the incident and its possible effect on the performance.
A mild night meant a spell outside was not unpleasant.
Two fire tankers were quickly on the scene, the building was inspected and declared safe and the crowd re-entered.
The play resumed with Shrek weaving into the play a few comments about the interruption.
The performance ended less than 30 minutes over time.
The 10 performances of Shrek the Musical drew rave reviews from audiences who remained spellbound during the three-hour production, showing obvious appreciation for the talents of local people and the effort taken to produce such a high-quality show.
Town Hall performance and events co-ordinator Vicki Thomas said many had commented that Horsham was fortunate to have skilled people able to stage and perform such a high quality musical.
"And feedback was that the evacuation was carried out in a very professional manner by all involved," Ms Thomas said.
Director Emily Friedrichsen said she was extremely proud of the 150 people involved and what they achieved.
"It was just magic on stage, the cast was amazing," Ms Friedrichsen said.
"And community feedback has been all very positive.
"The portrayals by Tim O'Donnell and Chris Versteegen were brilliant. Ice vests and fans during breaks were needed to help keep them cool."
Simon Dandy's portrayal of Lord Farquaad had the crowd applauding before his first lines.
"The Baby Dronkeys at the end weren't scripted but that was so special to share with the children," Ms Friedrichsen said.
She praised the unseen work carried out behind the scenes by many "unsung heroes".
"We also threw in some one-liners not in the script to add to the fun," she said.