Rowdy female theatregoers at The Choir of Man that is set in a pub where audience are encouraged to enjoy a drink hold up performance for an hour when angry cast walk off stage because they 'were rude and abusive' to staff

Two rowdy theatre goers were removed from a West End musical set in a pub where the audience are encouraged to drink before the show starts.

The women were said to have been ‘rude and abusive’ to security staff and were asked to leave.

When they refused the cast of the show ‘The Choir of Man’ walked off the stage at the London Arts Theatre.

The hit musical was delayed for an hour until the women sitting in the balcony finally left to loud jeers from others in the audience.

A theatregoer told MailOnline: ‘I don’t know what had occurred, but after the first song the lights came back on and the cast all left the stage.

‘There were security guards standing by the women who were refusing to leave their seats. We later heard they had too much to drink and were rude to staff.’

Prior to the start of the musical the audience are invited to walk on to the stage and buy a drink at the bar that forms the backdrop of the show.

Theatregoers can also drink alcohol during the performance served from the stage bar with the show featuring songs by Katy Perry, Guns and Roses and Adele.

The show, which was nominated for an Oliver award in 2022, has won rave reviews and been described as the ‘happiest of the happy hour’.

It tells the story of a group of men who bond over a beer in a traditional pub called ‘The Jungle’.

The Thursday evening performance had just begun when the lights in the theatre were switched back on.

An announcement was made by management that due to ‘circumstances beyond our control’ the show would be paused.

Four security guards stood over the women as they refused to comply with the theatre manager’s request to leave.

One theatre goer said:’ When it became obvious that the women would not agree to leave an off-duty police officer went to speak to them.

‘He showed his warrant card, but they did not listen and did not move. The police officer was unable to do anything as it was private property and had to return to this seat.’

As the stand-off continued the audience were told they could get a free drink in the upstairs bar – while the two women remained in their seats.

After an hour the women got up and left with most of the audience jeering as they were escorted out.

The theatre goer said:’ It was quite shameful behaviour.

People had paid a lot of money for their tickets, and it was disgraceful that they held up the performance.’

A spokesman for the London Arts Theatre have been contacted for comment.