The Hazlitt Theatre in Maidstone has cancelled its Christmas show because of the second national lockdown.

The venue had already pushed back its pantomine Jack and the Beanstalk, due to start this month, to next year and was putting on a musical comedy called The Lost Christmas instead.

The performances were due to run from December 4 to Christmas Eve, but now it too is not going ahead.

As part of the national lockdown, which came into force today entertainment venues must close as the government tries to reduce the rising number of coronavirus cases and hospitals being overwhelmed.

It is due to end on December 2.

A statement on the theatres Facebook page read: "It is with regret that we have to announce the very difficult decision to cancel our production of The Lost Christmas, due to the latest lockdown measures.

"There are a number of reasons for the decision and we can assure you it wasn't a decision made lightly but under the new restrictions we feel it is the right thing to do.

"For those of you that have booked we will be in touch with you shortly to offer refunds.

"We very much look forward to welcoming you to the Hazlitt Theatre in the near future and promise some amazing shows in 2021, including our in house pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk."

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