EVESHAM’S annual family pantomime is the latest casualty of the coronavirus pandemic.

Local amateur dramatic company, Phoenix Theatre Group, which has brought the annual family show to Evesham Arts Centre for the past 30 years has announced next January’s show has been postponed.

Group chairman Keith Norledge said: "It’s with a heavy heart we have to cancel yet another of our shows in Evesham.

"Dick Whittington was due to hit the Arts Centre stage in January, and whilst this might seem a long way off, auditions were due in June, with rehearsals starting in September.

"With the uncertainty of how and when social distancing will be allowed in theatre’s and not knowing when we could start rehearsals, the group's committee felt this year's show couldn’t go ahead, so we’re looking to reschedule it for January 2022."

The Dick Whittington production is the second one from the group to fall foul to Covid-19. Legally Blonde the Musical was due to take place this October, but was cancelled for the same reason last month.

Keith said: "Whilst I know our regular patrons will be very disappointed with this news, I’m sure everyone will understand.

"We’re now putting all our efforts into bringing another big musical to Evesham for October 2021 and all being well Shrek the Musical will come to Evesham Arts Centre once we’ve finalised dates with the theatre."

Further information on forthcoming productions for 2021 and beyond is available by emailing info@phoenixtheatregroup.co.uk.