Death sees Melbourne International Comedy Festival opening night axed mid-show

The opening night of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival had to be abruptly cancelled following the death of a patron.

The opening night of this year’s Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been abruptly cancelled mid-show following the death of an attendee.

The man suffered a medical episode on the upper level of Palais Theatre during headline act Michael Hing’s performance.

Attendees told The Daily Mail that members of the public initially provided CPR to the man in the dark as Hing continued, unaware of the emergency.

“[It] would have been at least 15 mins worth before the show stopping, and [it] only stopped as patrons yelled to stop performing,” one patron said.

Another said, “I can’t believe they [the organisers] didn’t communicate with backstage to halt the show, and that it took the public to yell out to the comedian to stop for something to happen.”

“Melbourne International Comedy Festival regrets to confirm that there was a medical emergency while the Opening Night Allstars Supershow was taking place this evening at the Palais Theatre,” a festival spokesman said in a statement posted on Instagram.

“The show was stopped and cancelled. The Festival will be in touch with all ticket holders tomorrow.”

The tragedy occurred within Melbourne’s Palais Theatre. Picture: Supplied

Organisers posted this statement on social media. Picture: Instagram

Victoria Police told The Age that a man had died at the scene at the Palais Theatre.

“Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in St Kilda on Wednesday, 26 March,” a spokesman said.

“Emergency services were called to a theatre on Lower Esplanade about 9pm. A man, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.”

Dave Hughes was among the high-profile comedians who spoke out in the wake of the news.

Health worker Andrea Bortoli told The Age she was sitting in the upper level’s front row when she noticed movement behind her.

She said people started leaving and it “became quite obvious that someone was getting CPR”.

“It was just obviously really distressing, so we wanted to leave,” she said.

The lights were turned on and patrons were told the show had been cancelled.

Among those in the audience was former Victorian Premier Steve Bracks.

The Allstars Gala kicks off the Festival each year and features a star-studded line-up of household names. This year’s event was hosted by Hing.

As news of the tragedy spread, comedian Dave Hughes was among those who took to social media to share their thoughts.

“All performers thoughts are with the family affected,” Hughes wrote, while Tahir Bilgiç added: “Sad news but correctly handled all around … well done everyone and thoughts with those involved.”

Another person, who was in the audience at the time, said they were “still shaking”.

“I am still shaking, it was all so sad. Our prayers and thoughts are with those affected.”

Originally published as Death sees Melbourne International Comedy Festival opening night axed mid-show