Explosion backstage evacuates city theatre

Birmingham REP theatre was evacuated last night after an “explosion”, disrupting the performance of Brief Encounter.

No-one was injured in the incident at around 8.15pm, which was blamed on a “technical fault in a staff only area”.

Theatre-goers were moved away from the theatre, which is surrounded by building work for the Paradise and tram extension schemes, and a police cordon was put up.

In a statement, the REP said: “We can confirm there was a technical fault this evening and the theatre was evacuated as a precautionary measure. We’re pleased to report there were no injuries.”

The cordon was subsequently lifted and Broad Street re-opened. There is not expected to be any further disruption to the REP’s performances.

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