Equus Nude Scene Sets Off Fire Alarms.

At the opening performance of Equus last night (Thursday September 12, 2013) at the Forum Theatre in Leichhardt, the audience and the cast were treated to smoke (no mirrors), fire alarms and a sudden evacuation of the theatre.

At the climactic point of the play - in every sense - the two young characters Alan and Jill (played by Michael Brindley and Brinley Meyer) take off all their clothes and start to have sex in a misty country stable at midnight - flanked by six horses and watched by psychiatrist Dr Dysart  (played by Stage Whispers reviewer Martin Portus).

At the crucial moment the theatre's smoke alarm went off, sirens wailed, the house lights went on as an automatic recorded voice loudly warned patrons to prepare to evacuate.

Everyone waited with bated breath to see if the alarm (clearly activated by the theatrical smoke) would stop.

It didn't.

After an excruciating wait the stage manager appeared with robes and the actors left the stage. She announced the fire brigade was on its way and would hopefully give the all clear soon.

Patrons were asked to wait in the foyer. They obeyed and enjoyed free drinks put on by management as they waited.

In the foyer, director Michael Campbell addressed the crowd and announced - to much applause - that the actors had agreed to resume the play once the all-clear was given.

Firefighters in full gear then arrived. It was quite a side-show! 5 minutes later, the audience was ushered back in.

And - after a total delay of well night 30 minutes, the cast resumed the scene, winding back a minute or so to get a 'running start'.

When the ending finally came and the cast took their bows, they were treated to a standing ovation!

Equus plays until September 26 – more details - www.equusonstage.com.au

Images: Brinley Meer and Michael Brindley with Martin Portus & Brinley Meer and Michael Brindley with the company. Photographer: Liam O'Keefe