Covid: Reading theatre play cancelled over positive tests

Rabble Theatre apologised after Who Killed Alfred Oliver? was cancelled

A murder mystery play, based on a real-life case, has been cancelled after two actors tested positive for Covid-19.

Rabble Theatre had planned to stage Who Killed Alfred Oliver? at Reading Minister until 20 November.

But it scrapped further performances on Thursday as it was unable to replace the actors due to the cost and the risk of new infections.

The production is based on the murder of tobacconist Alfred Oliver in 1929.

It is hoped the play, which has run for five performances since 4 November and sees a cast of four actors play 22 characters, can be restaged next year.

Alfred Oliver was found by his wife Annie, fatally wounded in his shop (now part of Marks & Spencer) on Cross Street

In a statement, Rabble Theatre apologised for the cancellation, which it added had be done "with a heavy heart" and had put the theatre company in a "perilous position", with an anticipated £35,000 loss.

Rabble executive director Dani Davies and artistic director Toby Davies, who both have tested positive for Covid-19, said: "The people involved... are just incredible and the extra work that they have all contributed to making this show successful is staggering, so it is deeply upsetting that so many good people will lose income because of this.

"Rabble Theatre does not receive any core funding, from Reading Borough Council or the Arts Council, so this really is a challenging time and the financial success of this production was dependent on ticket sales alone. That is very rare in regional theatre."

Ticket holders have been asked to consider donating the cost of the ticket to the theatre company, instead of requesting a refund.

Ms Davies explained ticket sales contribute a significant percentage to the theatre company's annual income, and insurance did not cover for cancelling the play due to Covid.

On 22 June 1929, Mr Oliver was found fatally wounded in his shop on Cross Street in Reading.

He died in hospital the next day and the investigation into his murder remains officially open.

At the time, American movie star Philip Yale Drew was identified as the main suspect.

The play was being shown in Reading Minster