Warminster s how won’t go on after flu bug (From Wiltshire Times)

Warminster s how won’t go on after flu bug

6:00pm Saturday 23rd March 2013 in Latest News

ACTORS in Warminster have had to scrap this weekend’s production of Steel Magnolias after they were struck down with flu.

The bug curtailed rehearsals and the venue did not have a later slot in its schedule. The Athenaeum Limelight Players pulled the plug last week, after cast members were unable to make up for lost time after a flu outbreak took its toll.

Cast and crew decided the production would not be up to scratch and voted for the cancellation.

The Players, whose production of The Vicar of Dibley was nominated for the NODA South West Awards for amateur theatre, were due on stage at the Athenaeum from March 21 to 23.

They initially hoped to reschedule performances, but the venue already had a full programme and was unable to offer a later date. Ticket refunds are being arranged.

Adela Forestier-Walker, the chairman of the group, said: “This was a very difficult decision to make after 10 weeks of rehearsal time. The cast and crew were extremely disappointed.

“ALPs have a high reputation to maintain and we felt that we could not continue with a production that would disappoint supporters.”

The group will now focus on open auditions for a July production of Fawlty Towers, next Tuesday and Thursday, and a hunt for a Basil Fawlty lookalike.

Tony Jackson, of the venue’s management committee, said: “I went to the Athenaeum on Saturday to buy my tickets, which was the first time I’d heard about it.”