When the show can’t go on

Cancellations are a last resort in the arts industry where the show must go on. But what when it can’t?
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Why must the show go on?
Why kick up your legs
When draining the dregs
Of sorrow’s bitter cup?
Because you have read
Some idiot has said
‘The curtain must stay up!’

Noel Coward’s spoof on the performance tradition that the show must go on whatever is happening behind the scenes must ring bells for some promoters and producers.  Performance artists and all who work with them go to extraordinary lengths to avoid cancellations.

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Troy Nankervis
About the Author
Troy Nankervis is an ArtsHub journalist from Melbourne. Follow him on twitter @troynankervis