All shows cancelled after World War 2 device discovered

The Soho Theatre has been forced to cancel all its shows tonight – after an unexploded World War Two bomb was discovered in central London.

Police have cordoned off several roads around Dean Street where the device was found on a building site.

The venue has been closed and evacuated, with staff tweeting: ‘We’re still on lockout and are sorry to say ALL shows are cancelled tonight.

‘We will look to reschedule where we can. As we made a very quick exit please bear with us as we try to contact everyone and we’ll update from here.’

The venue was due to host a sold-out work-in-progress session from Bridget Christie, plus acclaimed shows from comedians Jayde Adams, Nigel Ng, Helen Bauer, Nigel Ng and Crybabies.

Bauer tweeted: ‘GOSH DARN IT. Due to a WW2 Bomb being found in Soho the first night of my run  has been cancelled.  When will this war this end. Once again the Nazis win but tomorrow we shall show them.  I’m sorry if you have tickets, I guess you have to contact box office.’

Other venues evacuated include the Soho Hotel, media hangout The Groucho Club and the offices of Private Eye – on the day this week's edition is due to go to press.

Police were called to the scene just before 2pm today, and are now evacuating an area bound by Oxford Street, Charing Cross Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Lexington Street & Poland Street.

Police are evacuating a large part of Soho after an unexplored WW2 bomb was found just off Dean Street. Corden is being expanded and several streets are closed off. Dozens of police around and thousands of people being told to leave work. pic.twitter.com/B1PGC7Ku1N

— Rob Picheta (@robpicheta) February 3, 2020

Early day home from the office. Unexploded WW2 bomb 💣 found on Dean Street! All of Soho evacuated. Good thing we can work #anywhereanytime at @HATCHanalytics ! pic.twitter.com/LBD7bxe1ET

— Monica Parker (@monicacparker) February 3, 2020

WW2 bomb found on Dean Street, area around it has been cordoned off and evacuated pic.twitter.com/dBvo0O9PCx

— MyWifeHatesGames (@mwhgyt) February 3, 2020

Published: 3 Feb 2020