My hubby asked me to ask Mudcatters whether anyone knows for sure about the truth of this story. George Bernard Shaw wrote a play called Closed for Remodelling, which, when advertised on posters, tricked the potential audience members into believing that the theatre was closed. This meant that hardly anyone turned up to see the shows.

snopes urban legend site says it is a true story although there is no evidence provided.

The play was supposedly renamed to Heartbreak Hotel.

To me the word "remodelling" sounds too recent for GBS, although I haven't checked my dictionary for the timing of the word's usage. (Heartbreak Hotel sounds a little Elvis-ish, but it would be difficult not to think of Elvis on hearing that title.)

So, erudite 'Catters, do any of you know the truth behind this story? Googling only turned up a couple of references.

Ta!
Helen