A theatre busy preparing to welcome back audiences suffered a comic mishap after receiving an order of 52 cans of hot dogs instead of "Frank-n-Furter" wigs.

The Orchard Theatre in Dartford is set to reopen later this month with Richard O’Brien’s legendary rock ‘n’ roll musical, The Rocky Horror Show, starring Strictly Come Dancing winner, Ore Oduba.

Dartford's Orchard Theatre explains Frank-N-Gate

But those in charge of inventory might wish they were already doing the time warp after a merchandising mishap.

On social media the theatre has been showing viewers some behind-the-scenes action in preparation for its grand reopening after 18 months of closure and yesterday it posted a video showing staff appearing to open a box just delivered.

However, rather than receiving an assignment of black curly "Frank-n-furter" wigs, based on the kooky musical character, they are said to have instead found a shipment of frankfurter sausages.

Visibly confused by the ordeal the curtains are then drawn on the initial TikTok post before another clip is posted shortly after.

Speaking behind a tower of cans in the second post, staff explain the supplier that sent the sausages also stocks party food.

Theatre worker Kay Hadley said: “I opened the box and I was completely confused. We checked to make sure no one in the venue had ordered them and we couldn’t believe the mistake. We are still checking to see what happened."

With two weeks to go, the Orchard Theatre now faces a dilemma which it has dubbed Frank-N-Gate.

They now have 52 cans of frankfurter sausages instead of wigs sellable to audiences.

After turning to social media for advice, staff have decided to donate all of the tins to food banks in Dartford.

Speaking about the mishap, theatre director Lorna Stawson said: “At first, we really had no idea what to do with 416 frankfurters.

"Once we saw suggestions about donating to local food banks, we instantly recognised that there is still a need for donations to food banks families in the community are still struggling.”

Arrangements are currently being made as to which food banks will receive donations.

The Rocky Horror Show will return to The Orchard Theatre on Tuesday, August 31. For tickets and more information click here.

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