Peggy Sue Got Married has been forced to close, due to the downturn in West End business.

The musical has been pulled by its producers as takings have plunged, despite the excellent reviews the musical, starring West End favourite Ruthie Henshall, earned when it opened Aug. 20.

The show, which was to have run until March 2002 will now close on Saturday, Oct. 13.

The early closure, despite a promising start, perhaps confirms the Shaftesbury Theatre's reputation as an 'unlucky' theatre. Apart from the American show Rent (based on Puccin's La Bohème), the theatre's record for long runs has not been good in recent years — this despite its ability to attract interesting shows.

This reputation for bad luck used to haunt the Piccadilly Theatre, but in recent years — indeed, since Elaine Paige's success in Piaf in 1993 — the latter has managed to shrug off the curse, hosting shows like Shockheaded Peter, Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake and, currently, Noises Off.

For information on Peggy Sue call the Shaftesbury Theatre Box Office: 020 7379 5399.

— by Paul Webb Theatrenow