Producers of Edinburgh’s White Christmas stage show have axed performances until the end of the year amid fears over the spread of coronavirus in the Capital.
Bosses at the Edinburgh Playhouse admitted cast and crew were “devastated” over the decision to cut the run short.
It comes just days after audiences were locked out of a performance at the venue when a member of staff tested positive for covid moments before the cast was due on stage.
Attendees were left outside for more than an hour before the show was eventually called off.
In a statement online, theatre bosses and producers of the musical extravaganza admitted it had been a “difficult decision” to end the run early, but added it had been taken with the safety of audience, cast and crew in mind.
"We regret to inform you that the producers of White Christmas and the Edinburgh Playhouse have had to make the very difficult decision to cancel all remaining performances of the musical, which was scheduled to play at the venue until 30th December," a Playhouse statement read.
"On behalf of the Producers, Company and Crew of the show as well as the entire venue team, thank you for your patience and understanding - your continued support is much appreciated."
Performances on Saturday and Sunday were cancelled due to the covid outbreak.
Those with tickets for the remaining shows, which were due to run until December 30, have been told to await further information on refunds from the venue.
Theatre producer Jamie Wilson, heading up production fro the show, added: "Despite precautions taken by all those involved in the production, the rest of the White Christmas run at the Edinburgh Playhouse has been cancelled due to issues surrounding COVID 19.
"For patrons with tickets, you will be contacted directly by your point of purchase with details of refunds. Please be patient with them at this very busy time.
"We want to thank the many thousands of people that bought a ticket for the show - some as far back as two years ago - we hugely appreciate your support and are devastated that it has to end in this way.
"Stay safe and have a very Merry Christmas."
