A BLAZE at a Northwich warehouse means a change of programme for a neighbouring theatre.

The Harlequin Theatre has been forced to postpone one show and cancel another following the fire, which happened in Queen Street on Saturday, March 29.

‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ was expected to be performed at the theatre from April 9 to 12 but this has been postponed until June.

The June production, The Taming of the Shrew, has been cancelled.

Laura Bason, from The Harlequin Theatre, said the theatre’s power supply was knocked out by the blaze and electricity suppliers cannot guarantee a return to normal provision for six weeks.

Buying in electricity from a generator would not prove economically viable for the 67-year-old theatre group.

Laura said: “The theatre committee have taken the decision to close the theatre for all business until our regular electricity supply is re-established.”

Tickets purchased for ‘The Rise and Fall of Little Voice’ will be valid for the rescheduled production, or eligible for a refund.

Laura said: “Our decision was not made lightly, and we have the theatre's best interests at heart.”