MEAN GIRLS TOUR CANCELLED IN BELFAST AMID DISORDER

The entire remaining run of the Mean Girls musical at the Grand Opera House in Belfast has been cancelled following disorder across Northern Ireland. The production had been due to open on Tuesday evening but was cancelled owing to planned protests. Producers subsequently cancelled Wednesday's evening performance and Thursday's matinee before confirming the full run would not proceed. The disorder in Northern Ireland began after a man was seriously injured in a knife attack.

Vivian Panka, the lead actress in the UK tour and the first black actress to play the role of Regina George, said she had not left her accommodation since the trouble began on Tuesday. Posting on TikTok, Panka said she had kept her blinds closed and described feeling frightened, particularly as a person of colour. She stated that black people were being actively targeted and asked members of the public to consider her circumstances before sending her direct messages. Panka stressed the cancellations were a safety issue rather than the result of any performer being unwell, adding that the decision was not the company's choice.

Panka said she was concerned not only for herself but for all members of the touring company. She noted that fires had broken out in the streets and described the situation as very frightening. Panka also confirmed she had received angry messages from fans in response to the show's cancellation. She emphasised that, as someone not from the United Kingdom, she found the situation particularly difficult to navigate.