Fire forces Murray to abandon show

Al Murray had to abandon his theatre show on Thursday night when a fire broke out in a neighbouring museum

Firefighters broke their strike to attend the blaze at the Three Rivers Museum in Rickmansworth, Herts, which started when it was hit by lightning.

The Watersmeet Theatre, where the Pub Landlord was performing his Who Dares Wines tour, had to be evacuated ten minutes into the second half.

Firefighters came from their nearby picket line when the heard the bang, but returned when police told them no lives were in danger. The fire was then tackled by the Army's Green Goddesses.

Earlier in the sell-out show, the audience had told Murray that "nothing ever happens in Rickmansworth".

Despite the disruption, the Guv'nor says he still supports the firefighter's pay claim.

"They should get their 40 per cent," he joked. "But in return we'll start 40 per cent more fires, so we get more value for money."

Murray's tour continues until December 6. Click here for dates.

Published: 16 Nov 2002