The opening night of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival has been cancelled after the death of an audience member.
The largest comedy festival in the world, the event takes place over a month in the Australian city after first being held in 1987.
It kicks off each year with the Allstars Gala, which features a star-studded line-up of household names. This year’s event was hosted by comedian Michael Hing at the Palais Theatre in St Kilda.
It is understood the man in question suffered a suspected heart attack early in the show.
Other ticketholders alerted ushers to the medical emergency, with members of the public initially administering CPR in the dark while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
They said Hing continued his performance, unaware of what was happening in the audience.
One told the Daily Mail patrons had to then start yelling out and tell him to stop, with people leaving ‘in tears’ once realising what had happened.
The event’s official page shared a statement announcing the cancellation of the event soon after.
‘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,’ it posted on Instagram.
‘The show was stopped and cancelled. The Festival will be in touch with all ticket holders tomorrow.’
Victoria Police confirmed to The Age that a man 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 spokesperson 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.’
After the tragic news broke, comedian Dave Hughes paid tribute.
“All performers’ thoughts are with the family affected,’ he commented on Instagram.
Others who were in the audience also sent their well-wishes, with one also saying they were ‘still shaking’ after witnessing what unfolded.
‘It was all so sad. Our prayers and thoughts are with those affected,’ they added.
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