A SELL-OUT adults only performance of controversial show Puppetry Of The Penis has been cancelled.

Darlington Civic Theatre is contacting 900 ticket-buyers with the news after producers called off the April 19 show.

A previous visit in 2001, involving two naked Australians, a camera and a big screen, proved popular and led to the show being re-booked.

A short UK tour earlier this year, which included York's Opera House in February, appears to have run without a hitch on stage.

The Civic Theatre has not so far been offered an alternative date.

Press officer Kathryn Goodfellow said: "The official line we have is that the company is unable to fulfil their date due to difficulty in meeting international commitments."

In the past three years, Australians David Friend and Simon Morley have had seasons in London's West End and on Broadway.