Storm causes drama for theatre

Melbourne’s ferocious storm this afternoon caused havoc at theatres across the city, with two of the three major musicals forced to stop matinee performances and other shows cancelled as the clean-up begins.

The storms hit mid-afternoon and brought with them severe hail and rain, with roads closed due to flash flooding and injuries reported.

At Mamma Mia!, a power failure caused by the storm forced the company to stop the show whilst performing ‘Super Troupers’.

The show was stopped for about 10 minutes and then resumed.

Jersey Boys was also forced to stop, while there was big problems at the Regent Theatre with reports that it was literally raining on the stage during the preview performance of Cats.

In scenes described by some as “surreal”, the storm caught most by surprise, and has left literally thousands of homes without power.

Whilst the storm unfolded, there were evacuations at the National Gallery and at car parks across Melbourne, whilst the Flemington Races were called off.

It is understood that the Malthouse Theatre has been forced to cancel shows tonight.