Outrage as Shakespeare theatre show cancelled after fiery 'pro-Palestine' row

A five-week-run of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream has been axed after a row broke out over references to pro-Palestine and pro-transgender rights.

The Bard's fantastical comedy featuring fairy queens and a man who has his head transformed into that of a donkey was due to be shown at the Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester.

The theatre was due to stage a modern take on the William Shakespeare classic, set in contemporary Manchester with a drum 'n' bass soundtrack, from September 6 to October 12.

But the first few performances were cancelled and theatregoers were told of a cast injury and "technical issues", according to the Manchester Evening News (M.E.N.).

However, the publication reports now the entire run of shows has been cancelled after "a number of issues with the production" and that disagreements erupted following an internal preview of the play on September 6.

The M.E.N. reports it emerged the production included a song which referred to trans rights and the phrase "free Palestine".

The song, which was to involve the audience, had been included as part of the show's modernisation led by director Stef O'Driscoll.

It's understood theatre bosses called for the section to be removed, but the director insisted it should remain in the show, with the support of her cast.

A source close to the production told the M.E.N.: "They did the first preview, at which point the theatre said they are going to have to cut the reference to trans rights and free Palestine.

"The director said - no, this is my direction, it's what it's always been, we've had weeks and months and you are now trying to change it after the first preview. The company were very solid and unified."

From that point, performances began to be cancelled and postponed. The Royal Exchange Theatre confirmed a preview on September 6 was cancelled, citing injury to a cast member with no understudy.

Acting union Equity confirmed that the cast and workforce have been paid for the run in full. It's understood that this will have cost the theatre tens of thousands of pounds.

A spokesperson for Equity said: "We are supporting members in dealing with the impact of this cancellation on their wellbeing and future relationships with the venue. Whilst we're pleased that the workforce will not be out of pocket, the issues that have led to the cancellation of the production require further discussion with Manchester Royal Exchange.

"Equity has today contacted the theatre requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the reasons for cancellation, the impact on our members and the steps being taken now. We remain very concerned about this situation and its impact on our members."

Express.co.uk have contacted the Royal Exchange Theatre and representatives of Stef O’Driscoll for comment.