The mystery behind those setting fireworks alight from London’s bridges has been solved after the Globe Theatre was evacuated mid-performance last night.
The performance of Shakespeare’s ‘Antony and Cleopatra’ was stopped after red fireworks were set off and shouting was heard nearby – then a firework landed in the standing section of the theatre, narrowly missing theatre-goers.
Similar scenes were reported last month, when Albert Bridge was set alight and sent some of the explosives over into Thames and on passing boats.
The group which set off the flares had left the area by the time authorities arrived, leaving their identity a mystery.
The recent fireworks displays are now believed to be Algerian football fans, who celebrated the birthday of an Algerian club last night.
Algerian football team Mouloudia Club d’Alger was founded on August 7, 1921.
As for the July display, it could be connected to other rowdy fans – Spanish football fans had won the Euros days before the last display on Albert Bridge.
The London Fire Brigade has warned against private firework use, however, issuing a statement last month reading: ‘We encourage people to attend organised fireworks displays instead of using fireworks privately, but if you do choose to use fireworks, make sure you have enough space, buy them from a reputable, licensed seller and always look for a CE mark to make sure they’re safe.
‘Remember that fireworks are explosives, and as such should be treated with respect and only used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the Firework Code.’
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Theatre-goer Mark Johnson, who was celebrating his 30th, told the Mail Online the latest display was ‘confusing’: ‘It felt like it was near the end of the performance when we saw bright red lights in the sky.
‘Most of the audience looked up and we saw fireworks and there was a general sense of confusion. Even the actors and actresses looked up.’
A spokesperson for The Globe said: ‘The Globe building was immediately locked down, and the audience and company were invacuated and held until 10.50pm when the Police gave notice that it was safe to leave. All audience members, company members, staff, and volunteers were evacuated and got home safely.
‘We are continuing to gather the facts regarding exactly what happened. The Globe Box Office will be in contact with all audience members who attended last night’s performance.
‘As a major visitor destination in London, we have emergency measures in place. These protocols were followed in a calm and considered manner, and we would like to thank all our audience members, company members, staff, and volunteers for supporting us last night for a safe response to the situation.’
Other celebratory displays took place in Dublin and Algiers, it’s understood.
The official account for Mouloudia Club d’Alger shared photos of the pyrotechnics and wrote: ‘Al-Ameed fans set the atmosphere on fire with a fantastic caravan that lit up the capital’s sky on a night like no other.’
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