Musical theatre star Carrie Hope Fletcher has had to cancel her performance in Birmingham due to a sudden illness. The news came as a disappointment not just to Fletcher, but to her many fans who were eager to see her landmark portrayal of Calamity Jane. On March 22, 2025, she took to social media to inform them that she had caught the "lurgy," a colloquial term for a viral infection that has been circulating.
Fletcher expressed her sadness in an Instagram post, saying, "Hi gang, I've sadly caught the lurgy that's been going around and I won't be performing today. Gutted not to be finishing the week in Birmingham, one of my favourite cities and theatres." Despite the disruption, she reassured her fans, stating that fellow actress Hollie Cassar would take her place for that night’s show. "The fantastic @holliecassar will be donning the buckskins and taking you on a stagecoach ride through deadwood," she added, providing a glimmer of excitement for the audience despite her absence.
However, not all fans were satisfied with the change, as some expressed their disappointment online. One fan expressed their frustration, stating, "Awww - we're here at Birmingham Hippodrome for my 40th bday to see you play Calam and it's your cover :( Gutted." In light of the backlash, Fletcher addressed the disappointment directly, cautioning fans against sentiments that could deepen an already tough situation for performers. In her response, she remarked, "Also, not that any of you wonderful lovelies would, but just in general, please don't do this. The one and only purpose this could ever serve is to make actors feel bad about something I can guarantee they already feel bad enough about." This statement highlighted the often-unseen emotional difficulties faced by performers when they cannot fulfill their commitments.
Fletcher, who has been travelling across the UK performing in various theatres since last year, is no stranger to the rigors of musical theater. She has earned acclaim for her roles in productions such as Les Miserables, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation of Cinderella, and Heathers: The Musical. In addition to her theatrical achievements, she is a successful author, having published best-selling novels for both children and adults, and holds a significant online presence with over half a million subscribers on YouTube.
Furthermore, her bond with her brother Tom Fletcher, a member of the pop band McFly, adds a personal layer to her public persona. Tom has previously dedicated a performance on Strictly Come Dancing to Carrie, expressing his admiration for her as she pursued her dreams in the competitive world of musical theater. During a heartfelt moment, he sang the Les Miserables song ‘On My Own,’ which was significant for both siblings, as Carrie also portrayed Eponine in that famous production.
The recognition of their sibling bond hasn't gone unnoticed by fans, many of whom remarked upon discovering their relationship, with comments like, "CARRIE HOPE FLETCHER IS TOM FLETCHER’S SISTER?!?!?" illustrating how intertwined their careers have become in the public eye.
As Fletcher continues to navigate her career, she remains a beloved figure in musical theatre. Her dedication to her craft, alongside her ability to connect with her audience both on and off stage, has made her a significant presence in the performing arts. As she recovers from this illness, fans will undoubtedly be eagerly awaiting her return to the stage and her upcoming performances. For now, they rally around her, showing support for their favorite performer while also looking forward to experiencing Cassar’s interpretation of Calamity Jane.
