THE first show of the new spring season at Colchester’s Mercury Theatre has been cancelled by its producers.

Haunted, described as a supernatural, erotic thriller, was due to run for a week starting on Monday.

But Ian Dickens Productions announced yesterday unforeseen, but undisclosed circumstances had forced it it to withdraw.

Rachel Thorne, Mercury press and marketing manager, said about 800 tickets had been sold and box office staff had already given most customers a full refund.

She added: “It’s disappointing when it happens, but thankfully, it’s pretty rare.” Miss Thorne said it was “a minor blip” in a spectacular period for the Mercury.

She added: “It’s been astonishing. We’ve had our best pantomime season ever and the pre-sales for the forthcoming season have been amazing.

“We’ve already got some sell-outs and our own company shows are doing very well.”

Haunted, starring former TV soap actors Peter Amory and Paul David-Gough, had been due to start a touring run in Lincoln this week.

Ticket holders who have not been contacted can call the box office on 01206 573948 to get a refund.