MAYFLOWER Theatre will remain closed until at least April.

Chief executive Michael Ockwell has today confirmed that no performances scheduled before the end of March will go ahead following the announcement of the latest lockdown restrictions.

The programme had been set to include a socially distanced version of Six the musical, a modern retelling of the lives of the six wives of Henry VIII and a visit by the ever popular Rocky Horror Show.

Joe Pasquale, whose panto stint had to be halted after just a few days over Christmas, was also due to return in the hit play April in Paris.

All shows will be postponed or cancelled completely.

Michael Ockwell told the Daily Echo: "This is not the situation that we thought we would be in at the beginning of 2021, and it is frustrating that we are unable to reopen, however, the safety of our customers, staff and visiting companies comes first.

"I am immensely proud of the Mayflower Theatre team who prepared the theatre to reopen safely at Christmas with socially distanced performances. The feedback from the 3,500 customers who enjoyed Sleeping Beauty over our brief run was tremendous and it was a delight to see families enjoying live theatre once again.

"I fear that 2021 will continue to be a challenge for our theatre and we will continue to follow government guidance and look forward to reopening as soon as we can.

"Once again we are grateful to those customers who have either taken gift vouchers or donated their money to the theatre for cancelled shows. Your generosity is appreciated by all my colleagues."

Box office staff will be in touch with all customers to let them know whether their show is being rescheduled or cancelled.