A growing number of London’s theaters have announced that they will not hold performances on Sept. 19, the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.
“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,” an official statement from Society of London Theatre and UK Theatre reads.
“Ticketholders will receive an email from their point of purchase with details regarding exchanges and refunds. Throughout the period of national mourning, performances will go ahead as planned but we would advise audiences coming into central London to allow more time for their journeys to and from the theatre from Wednesday when the Queen will be lying in State.
“In regards to the national one-minute silence at 8pm on Sunday 18 September, shows that are playing on that evening will mark this prior to curtain up.”
At least 20 productions have announced cancelations on Sept. 19. Shakespeare’s Globe will also cancel tours, activities and performances.
However, performances will continue through the period of national mourning.
Theatergoers have been advised of congestion in the central London area this week during the period of national mourning, as the Queen will be lying-in-state in Westminster Hall. The Hall will be open 24 hours a day beginning at 5pm on Sept. 14 through Sept. 19.
