When The Herald and our sister paper The Evening Times carried news of the musical Wicked touring to Glasgow, the online world went bonkers and Wicked trumped the stories that usually dominate our websites, where Glasgow's two largest football teams vie with our politicians at Holyrood for the lion's share of the attention. My, the consternation that caused, as Wicked-wanters dislodged the independence argument and the Old Firm from the top of the schedule.

This was no surprise to theatre fans, people who programme theatres or even those who work in newspaper marketing departments developing enticing offers for readers. It is well known that the number of people going to the theatre in the UK outnumbers those who go to football, and the biggest theatres fill their stages with musicals.

Last night, many would have planned to be at Edinburgh's Festival Theatre to see Kristin Chenoweth, a name that sends a frisson into the hearts of lovers of the genre. She was part of the original Broadway cast of Wicked and, like her co-star Idina Menzel, has come to the attention of a wider public through her role in Glee on television. She was a red-carpet commentator at the Oscars and sang a duet of commiseration, with Seth MacFarlane, to those who did not win.

Alas Ms Chenoweth's UK dates were abruptly cancelled last weekend, with the promoters, the unfortunately named Speckulation Entertainment of London, blaming "unforeseen circumstances" – adding "Kristin is saddened not to be able to perform to her sold-out audiences". This week the company's website and telephone were off-line.

That Oscar song, Here's To The Losers, now seems a little ironic to those applying for refunds, but we have not seen rioting in the street – musical theatre fans are not like that.

Do not assume, however, that they are a silent majority. Listen closely. Do you hear the people sing?