Theatre Industry Honouring Queen Elizabeth II’s Passing

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who passed away on 8 September 2022, will also be remembered for regularly supporting the performing arts over seven decades of her reign.

Many West End shows will cancel their scheduled performances on 19 September following the announcement of Her Royal Highness’ state funeral and a public screening of the funeral will be held at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon.

During the 12-days of national mourning, theatres across the country will be honouring the late monarch by opening books of condolences prior to the performance, playing the national anthem, and dimming their lights for 2 minutes each evening at 7 p.m. as a sign of respect.

Theatre performances confirmed to be cancelled are:

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.

In an official statement from the Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre, it was written:

“We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The theatre industry is thankful for all the support and patronage Her Majesty has shown throughout her lifetime. We would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the Royal Family at this time of national mourning.”

“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.

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

Theatres will remain open for the duration of the period of national mourning up until the funeral.