Transport problems blamed

Comedy events across central London were pulled on Thursday night in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the city.

The cancellations were as much down to the capital’s crippled public transport system as they were to the fears of further atrocities following the blasts that killed 49 people earlier in the day.

Gigs at the Comedy Store, the Comedy Café and Lee Hurst’s Backyard Club were among those axed in the centre of town, while the Soho Theatre, which was hosting an Edinburgh preview by Natalie Haynes, also closed for the night.

Events as far from the centre as Walthamstow – and even Sheffield - were affected because of the transport problems in getting the comedians to their gigs.

Writing on the Chortle forums, one Comedy Store worker said the gig was pulled ‘not because we thought it was the wrong time to do comedy, but because of the logistical problems of getting audience, comics and staff in and out of central London’.

The Store’s weekend schedule will go ahead as planned, as most other gigs are expected to.

Entertainment events across the capital were affected, with every West End show cancelled as well as gigs by Blue, The Progidy and Sum 41.

The Society of London Theatre said: "After the events in London this morning, police are advising that no-one travel into central London.

"As a result of this, we can confirm that all performances of West End shows have been cancelled, along with most performances at theatres across London."

Hyde Park gigs by Queen on Friday and REM on Saturday were postponed, too, and will now be held one week later.

Holders of any tickets for any cancelled or rescheduled events should contact the venue for refunds.

Published: 8 Jul 2005