Leeds pantomime cancelled at last minute after cast struck down by mystery illness

The theatre said the illness “developed very quickly” in the afternoon leaving the theatre no choice but to pull the Sleeping Beauty Rock’n’Roll Panto perfomance just before doors were to be opened.

The decision was made as a result of “unforeseen and unavoidable” circumstances although details of the illness were not revealed.

Posting on its Facebook page on Friday night, the theatre said: “We regret that due to the ill health of members of the cast, tonight’s performance of Sleeping Beauty was unable to go ahead.

“We understand the disappointment this cancellation will have caused.”

On Saturday morning it was announced that cast members had recovered and that further shows would go ahead as schedulled.

The theatre said: “City Varieties Music Hall wish to thank everyone for their patience and understanding regarding cast illness which led to the cancellation.

“We are delighted to announce everybody is back and the shows will go on.”

The theatre added that ticket-holders for Friday night’s cancelled performance will receive a full refund and anyone wishing to re-book should contact the box office.

However, not everyone was satisfied. One Facebook user, Keeley Casling said: “They cancelled when people arrived - not really fair to a group of children dragged out in the cold to be turned away. More notice would have been nicer.”