The Edinburgh Playhouse has cancelled today's showing of White Christmas due to a reported case of Covid backstage among staff.
Reports came in that revellers were left standing outside the theatre at the top of Leith Walk for 40 minutes before it was confirmed the show was cancelled.
Joan Jones who was excited to attend the show with her son and husband after it was rescheduled last year.
She stood outside for nearly an hour before staff confirmed it was cancelled and said people were crying in the crowds due to disappointment.
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Speaking to Edinburgh Live the mum-of-one said: “We stood outside for over an hour before they came outside and handed out letters to say the show was cancelled.
“We had booked for last year and this was the rescheduled date and have travelled from Hamilton and have booked to stay overnight.
"People were crying in the crowds, we are absolutely gutted. The queue was back passed the Omni Centre."
Pictures shared on social media show hundreds of people crowded together on the street waiting outside the venue.
Members of the crowd were told theatre bosses had to pull the plug after there was a Covid outbreak among backstage staff.
The letter apologises reading: "We are very sorry that today's performance will not take place.
"We know that you will have been looking forward to seeing the show and we sincerely apologise for the disappointment and inconvenience caused."
It goes onto explain to disappointing theatre goers about rebooking and refunds for tickets, adding: "We are committed to ensuring our venue is safe for all audience members, cast and crew to visit.
"This includes our stringent COVID protocols which have been adopted across the industry."
The Edinburgh Playhouse said: "We regret to announce that despite strong measures to ensure the safety of everyone in our production, the 2:30pm and 7:30pm performances of White Christmas today (18.12.2021) have been cancelled due to COVID.
"We are sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment caused. Your point of purchase will be in contact shortly with alternative options.
"We thank you all for your continued support and understanding."
