Chariots of a damp squib

Has the Olympic spirit been quenched with the final chimes of 2012?

Chariots of Fire, the stage adaptation of the 1981 film mounted especially for the summer’s Games, is set to close a month early this Saturday at the Gielgud Theatre. The abruptly announced end to the play, which uses a treadmilled stage to portray the runners’ many races, has resulted in disappointment for hundreds who must now be offered earlier tickets or refunds.

A transfer from the Hampstead Theatre took place last June after strong reviews along the lines of “this one will run and run”.