ORGANISERS of the annual pantomime at Memorial Court have confirmed this year's event will not take place due to coronavirus.

Anton Benson Productions had been gearing up to stage Sleeping Beauty at the Brio Leisure site from December 7 to 20 and from December 22 to January 3, 2021.

But with Covid-19 case numbers rising again across Cheshire West and the borough in a Tier 2 lockdown, Brio and Anton Benson have confirmed that the show is postponed until December 2021.

The theatre company's other scheduled production of Jack and the Beanstalk, at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall, has also been postponed.

Producer Anton Benson said: "We were very optimistic about the shows going ahead this year, but in the current circumstances we feel safety must come first.

"We will be back bigger and better for Christmas 2021 with brand new laugh out loud scripts and stellar casts alongside celebrity guest performers."

Last year, the company's run of Peter Pan at Memorial Court starred John Altman, who played 'Nasty' Nick Cotton in Eastenders.

A Brio spokesman said: "Our decision has been left as late as possible in hope there may be some easing of restrictions.

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"But with cases rising, both parties feel it is right to prioritise the safety of the performers, crew, venue staff and our wonderful loyal audiences.

"All refunds will be processed automatically over the coming days and tickets for December 2021 will be on sale soon."