PANTO performances at York Theatre Royal have been cancelled until December 30 following a Covid outbreak.

A theatre spokesman said this afternoon that an increasing number of members of the Cinderella company were having to self-isolate , and this had forced the theatre to cancel performances of its pantomime Cinderella for a week.

"Understudies have stepped into roles at some performances this week after several cast members tested positive for Covid,"he said.

"A new actress was also drafted in to play the part of Cinderella, arriving into York last night, but when several other cast members tested positive today, it was decided that the situation meant the show couldn’t go on over Christmas because of uncertainty over cast availability.

“We’ve tried really hard to ensure the show goes on, but the increasing number of the Company having to self isolate has meant that we can't continue.

"It is planned that the production will be back on stage on Thursday 30 December with two performances at 2.30 and 7pm."

"Box Office will be in touch with ticketholders as quickly as they can. We want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding at this difficult time.

 "We are offering several options to our audiences - to book for another performance of Cinderella, from Thursday 30 December, to transfer their tickets to Peter Pan next year, to have a credit or voucher to book for another show or the offer of a full refund". 

He said extra performances were being added to the schedule to make up for the lost performances, with Cinderella due to run until January 2.

The theatre said on its website: "We are so sorry to have to tell you that, with great regret, we are having to cancel performances of Cinderella, our fabulous pantomime, up to and including Wednesday 29 December, because of an increasing number of the Company having to self-isolate.

"We are planning to be back on stage on Thursday 30 December.

"If you have tickets for one of the cancelled performances, you do not need to do anything at this time. Our friendly Box Office team will be in touch soon.

"We want to thank you in advance for all your support for York Theatre Royal at this difficult time. We appreciate your patience and understanding."

Asked about the situation at the Grand Opera House, which is staging York's other big panto this Christmas, Dick Turpin Rides Again, a spokeswoman said: "So far so good. No cancellations yet, who knows what's around the corner. Fingers crossed we get through it safely."