Les Miserables: Police attraction for footage after Just Stop Oil protesters stormed West End efficiency

Oct 05, 2023 at 6:56 PM
Les Miserables: Police attraction for footage after Just Stop Oil protesters stormed West End efficiency

Police have appealed for footage after Just Stop Oil protesters invaded the stage at a West End efficiency of Les Miserables.

Five folks had been arrested after activists stormed the stage on Wednesday evening, halting the musical.

The Metropolitan Police stated officers are eager to listen to “from these within the viewers who could have travelled from far outdoors London with a view to see the present”.

Activists disrupt a performance of Les Miserables. Pic: Just Stop Oil
Image:
Activists disrupted a efficiency of Les Miserables. Pic: Just Stop Oil

Detective Inspector Chris Rudd stated: “Many of those in the audience will have travelled significant distances, having purchased tickets months in advance, and it is unacceptable that demonstrators have targeted a specific group of people in order to ruin what should have been a special night out.

“We are conscious of footage circulating on social media, however ask anybody with further footage to get in contact as this may assist us convey these accountable to account.”

Those detained – aged 28, 23, 22, 19 and 18 – had been arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass and stay in custody.

The protesters went on stage throughout a efficiency of Do You Hear The People Sing?

Footage confirmed Just Stop Oil members explaining why they took the motion, carrying T-shirts saying: “The show can’t go on.”

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July: Just Stop Oil protester sits on flooring

Some members of the viewers booed and shouted whereas a protester addressed the auditorium.

The activists then locked themselves to the set, prompting the Sondheim Theatre to be evacuated.

William Village, chief government of Delfont Mackintosh Theatres – which owns the Sondheim – stated there was inadequate time to finish the remainder of the efficiency.

“Whilst we recognise the importance of free expression, we must also respect our audience’s right to enjoy the event for which they have paid,” he stated.

Zoe Cohen, from Just Stop Oil, stated the climate crisis is driving up meals prices and “it’s insane to think that a theatre performance is more important than food on the table”.

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Zoe Cohen will get teary saying ‘what number of extra folks must die?’ when requested in regards to the protest

“Why wouldn’t young people do anything peaceful to try to save humanity’s future?” she instructed Sky News on Thursday.

“There is no one to vote for … who can you vote for who is actually going to end new oil and gas – and give us the tiniest sliver of a chance of a future?

“The British folks can discern between being annoyed at Just Stop Oil and being devastated and terrified about climate collapse. They know the distinction. People have damaged dangerous legal guidelines all through historical past.”

She added: “The solely factor folks will remorse within the years to return is that you just did not take motion. This is simply going a method … everybody is aware of that.”

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It was the newest in a string of public protests by Just Stop Oil, which has beforehand disrupted high-profile sporting occasions together with The Ashes and Wimbledon, in addition to finishing up walking protests through the capital throughout rush hour.

The group was additionally accused of causing criminal damage by a authorities minister after spraying the Department for Energy and Net Zero with orange paint.

Last month, Fossil Free London carried out a similar protest at Sadler’s Wells theatre throughout a efficiency of a ballet model of Romeo & Juliet, demanding an finish to the involvement of Barclays within the manufacturing.