Sigourney Weaver’s performance in ‘The Tempest’ was disrupted by Just Stop Oil protesters. The incident highlights concerns about climate change and inaction.
Sigourney Weaver, the acclaimed Hollywood actress known for her roles in films like Alien, recently found herself at the center of a disruption during her performance in The Tempest at London’s West End. The incident involved two protesters from the environmental activist group Just Stop Oil, who interrupted the show at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.
The disruption occurred on a Monday evening when the two protesters, identified as Hayley Walsh and Richard Weir, entered the stage. They deployed a confetti cannon and a voice announced, “We’ll have to stop the show, ladies and gentlemen, sorry.” Weaver, who was seated on stage at the time, was subsequently escorted away by a theater staff member.
The audience reacted with a mix of boos and cheers as the protesters held up a sign that read “Over 1.5 degrees is a global shipwreck”. The protesters were on stage for less than a minute before being guided off.
The Metropolitan police were called to the scene following the incident, but there were no arrests. Authorities are currently conducting inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the protest.
The Protesters’ Message
The message displayed on the protesters’ banner was a direct reference to the recent announcement that 2024 was the warmest year on record, marking the first time the global average temperature exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Hayley Walsh, a 42-year-old lecturer from Nottingham, expressed her fears for the future, stating, “I am scared for my children, I can’t sleepwalk them into a future of food shortages, life-threatening storms and wars for resources.” She added that years of activism had not yielded the urgent changes needed.
Richard Weir, a 60-year-old from Tynemouth, drew parallels between the current climate situation and his past experience in the shipyards, saying, “I started my career in the shipyards of Tyneside and I watched management inaction lead to the collapse of UK manufacturing. Now I see similar failures of leadership as politicians refuse to take action to protect us and our loved ones.”
Sigourney Weaver’s Role in The Tempest
Sigourney Weaver plays the role of Prospero, a magician who creates storms, in this production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Typically the role of Prospero is played by a man.
The production of The Tempest opened in December and is scheduled to run until February 1st.
Just Stop Oil Protests
This incident at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane is one of many protests conducted by the Just Stop Oil group. Recently, they have gained attention for spray-painting Charles Darwin’s grave in Westminster.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1kmwp0l997o
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/28/just-stop-oil-activists-interrupt-play-tempest-sigourney-weaver-london
https://news.sky.com/story/just-stop-oil-protesters-disrupt-performance-of-the-tempest-starring-sigourney-weaver-13298047