Chelmsford Christmas panto CANCELLED amid theatre refurb
The City Council says the performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at the Civic Theatre can't go ahead because of ongoing renovation work.
Chelmsford's Christmas panto this year has been cancelled.
Jack and the Beanstalk had been due to open on December 2, but a series of delays with the refurbishment of the Chelmsford Civic Theatre mean the reopening of the building has been pushed back until the new year.
The project, which will see major changes to the front of house, has been hit by delays in getting building materials.
Chelmsford City Council says it couldn't find an alternative venue or make a plan to take the panto on the road work.
Marie Goldman, Deputy Leader at Chelmsford City Council said: “Although losing this year’s pantomime is a real blow to all of us, this project is vital for the theatre’s commercial survival."
"The worn out front of house and the jaded 1960s and 1980s interiors had reached the end of their shelf life some time ago.
“Customers rightly want more, and it isn’t an overstatement to say that without this improvement, the theatre faced an uncertain future. We understand how disappointed many of you will be right now, but please bear with us.
"The improvements being made to our theatre will safeguard much-loved productions like our annual pantomime in the years to come.”