Gardaí investigating as crew of The Lion King subjected to 'vile' racist abuse after Dublin show

Bord Gáis Energy Theatre. File Picture

Several performers and crew members of The Lion King musical have been subjected to racial abuse on their way home from a show in Dublin.

It is understood that shortly before 11pm on Friday, January 28 a group of individuals working on the stage show were verbally abused by a gang of male youths as they walked down Hanover Street.

The performers and crew members had just left the nearby Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, a production of The Lion King stage show has been taking place since late December.

The Lion King was the first production to be held at the theatre since the final round of Covid-19 restrictions on events came into force on December 20.  The venue returned to full capacity when restrictions were lifted earlier this month.

Both the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions, the company behind the musical, have condemned the “vile” incident and said that they have reported the matter to gardaí.

"Bord Gáis Energy Theatre Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions strongly condemn all forms of discrimination," a spokesperson for the venue said in a statement.

"It is shocking that something so vile and appalling happened to our colleagues who have brought such joy to thousands of theatregoers since the show opened on December 31.

"We fully stand with the performers and crew and have put plans in place to support those affected by this incident."

The theatre urged that those responsible for the abuse "be held accountable."  

The production company and venue said The Lion King Musical was "an instrument to change hearts and minds" and that the show has been "a beacon of optimism and inclusion across the globe" since it was first staged in the US 25 years ago.  

"It is in this spirit that the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre and Disney Theatrical Productions are making a donation to the Irish Network Against Racism, which is committed to combatting racism and all related forms of discrimination in Ireland," the spokesperson added. 

The Lion King show is running at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre until Friday, February 4.

A spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that gardaí at Pearse Street station were now investigating the incident.

"No arrests have been made to date," the spokesperson said.

"Enquires are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pearse Street Garda Station 01 6669000 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111."