A PANTO performance at one of the region’s most popular theatres had to be cancelled at short notice after one of the main stars was pulled from the show.

Gala Durham scrapped yesterday afternoon’s performance of The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Durham County Council, which runs the Durham City centre venue, has said that today’s show and the rest of the run will go ahead but without one of its main stars.

The authority confirmed that actor Paul Hartley, a mainstay of the theatre’s annual festive shows for a number of years, will not resume his role as Will Scarlett.

Robin Byers, service manager at Durham County Council, said: “Due to unforeseen circumstances, Paul Hartley will not be appearing in future performances of The Adventures of Robin Hood at Gala Durham.

"All scheduled performances will continue as planned, with another actor taking Paul’s role.

"We would like to reassure audiences that they can still look forward to a fantastic show.

“Anyone who had tickets for yesterday’s performances has been contacted and offered tickets for another performance of Robin Hood or next year’s production or a full refund.”

 

Mr Hartley has helped create the Gala’s panto since 2016 and performed in the theatre’s Christmas shows for many years before that.

The production, which runs until January 9, tells the tale of the infamous Robin Hood, a noble thief who steals from the rich and gives to the poor.

The audiences joins the stage’s hero as he battles to thwart the evil Sheriff of Nottingham, with the help of his band of merry men and women, all while trying to win the affections of Maid Marian.

Tickets for Robin Hood are priced from £7 to £18 for individual tickets, and from £54 to £62 for a family ticket.

To book, visit galadurham.co.uk or call 03000-266600.

 

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