A WHITCHURCH drama group has had to cancel its planned Peter Pan pantomime because of the Civic Centre RAAC discovery.

Whitchurch Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (WAODS) had been set to throw the performance of the much-loved panto at the end of February 2024.

But after Shropshire Council this week announced the Civic Centre contained more ‘crumbly’ concrete than first feared, WAODS has confirmed it is cancelling the panto.

A spokesman said: “It is with a heavy heart we have taken the decision to cancel their production of Peter Pan the Pantomime.

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“This was due to take place at the Civic Centre between February 28 and March 2, 2024, having already been rescheduled form the end of November 2023.

“Other options had been considered but given the complexity of the show in terms of flying and scenery it is not possible to move it anywhere else locally, even if a space big enough could be found.

“Given the amount of hard work that had already gone into production all the company particularly the junior members are devastated, and WAODS urge Shropshire Council to do their very best to return the Civic Centre and our theatre to the town as soon as possible.”

Following the original postponement of Peter Pan, the company had begun working on a Christmas Concert “Mince Pies and Mulled Wine” due to take place at the Talbot Theatre at Sir John Talbots School on Saturday and Sunday, December 16/17 at 6pm and 3pm, respectively.

The spokesman added: “WAODS hope as many people as possible who purchased tickets for Peter Pan will consider booking now for this, though appreciating that Christmas is a difficult time for some people.”

Tickets can be purchased from www.waods.net and from Gallery Flowers and Crafty Birds.

The spokesman added that the Civic Centre closure has ‘cast a shadow of uncertainty on the plans for 2024 which is the centenary year for WAODS’.

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They said: “The entire company is determined that the occasion will be celebrated in fine style including with a full musical and it is planned to announce the details at the Christmas Concert.

“Peter Pan tickets bought online will be refunded automatically, though it can take up to 10 days to be processed by Ticketsource.

“If you booked via the Civic Centre hub this will take slightly longer to process as we don’t currently have access to all the information given the speed at which they had to leave the Civic.

“If you have any questions, please email waodsboxoffice@gmail.com”