Audience members at a West End production of Les Misérables - The Staged Concert were left shocked when a woman directed abuse towards a leading Welsh actor.
While Alfie Boe was scheduled to perform as Jean Valjean on the night in question, Carmarthenshire -born actor John Owen-Jones - who is only one of a handful to have played the iconic part both on Broadway and in the West End - replaced the sick star.
But cast and audience members watching the Cameron Mackintosh production on Wednesday, November 13 were left outraged at the end of the show when a woman sitting in the dress circle reportedly shouted "where's Alfie?" before issuing an abusive hand gesture towards Owen-Jones and some of his co-stars as they left the stage.
While Boe has been cast as the main actor to play Valjean during the 16-week run at the Gielgud Theatre, award-winning Owen-Jones is scheduled to perform three times a week as well as cover for Boe if he's sick.
And while he's won plaudits from critics and fans all over the world for playing Valjean - and is also well-known for playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera, a character he's played in the West End more than any other actor - it seems the woman took exception to the fact Boe didn't appear.
Watch John Owen-Jones singing Bring Him Home in Les Misérables on Broadway
Cast members have jumped to Owen-Jones' defence, with Carrie Hope Fletcher, who plays Fantine in the production, tweeting her outrage and saying the woman should feel "humiliated and ashamed".
Never have I been so outraged by a single audience member’s actions than I was tonight. You know who you are and I hope you feel humiliated and ashamed. #Seething
— Carrie Hope Fletcher (@CarrieHFletcher) November 13, 2019
Audience members who witnessed the incident also gave their support to the cast on Twitter.
One user, Barbara Durham, said: "On behalf of the rest of the audience, I apologise. I'm so ashamed. You all did a fantastic job as usual. Very professional cast and a truly wonderful show."
Another fan gave their support, saying: "Not a true theatre goer. People are going to see shows these days for the celebrity and not to see the show. JOJ (John Owen-Jones) is an amazing performer all round. Anyone seeing him as JVJ (Jean Valjean) should count themselves as being very lucky indeed!"
A tweet from another theatregoer added: "John Owen-Jones is, without a doubt, my favourite Valjean. I’m envious of everyone who gets to see him perform at the concert! This audience member should be completely ashamed!"
Cameron Mackintosh has been approached for comment.
