Armed police attend Warwick Arts Centre over wooden replica weapons

Armed police have been called to Warwick Arts Centre after reports of two men carrying weapons, later confirmed to be wooden replicas.

The incident occurred at around 9.10pm on Saturday, 10 October, 2026, during Reece Shearsmith’s live show Things I Took from the Dark in Butterworth Hall.

…we confirmed the pair were carrying wooden replica weapons which posed no threat to the public

West Midlands Police spokesperson

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West Midlands Police attended following 999 calls. Officers stopped and searched the pair, who were described as masked in local reports.

A force spokesperson said: “We were called to Warwick Arts Centre on Saturday (10 Oct) at around 9.10pm following reports of two people carrying weapons inside the theatre. On attendance, officers stopped and searched the individuals, who helped with our enquiries, and we confirmed the pair were carrying wooden replica weapons which posed no threat to the public.”

They added: “As an additional precaution, officers remained in the area until the show had finished.”

The safety and wellbeing of audiences, staff and visiting companies is our highest priority

Warwick Arts Centre spokesperson

Warwick Arts Centre has confirmed that it is reviewing the incident.

A Warwick Arts Centre spokesperson said: “Our team responded to concerns on Saturday evening. The police attended, spoke with those involved, and confirmed the items were wooden replicas that posed no threat to the public.”

They added: “The safety and wellbeing of audiences, staff and visiting companies is our highest priority, and we are conducting a review of the circumstances to identify and implement any necessary improvements.”

No further details have been released about the two men or the precise nature of the replicas. Police have not indicated that any arrests were made.

Audience members have not been advised to take any specific action, beyond general police guidance to report anything that appears suspicious.