Heavy rain steals the show at puppet theatre

Peter Beck said the theatre had to cancel a show for "safety reasons" after heavy rain

A theatre had to close its doors after heavy rain leaked through its ceilings on to electrics.

Norwich Puppet Theatre said it had to cancel a production of Oliver Twist on Friday for safety reasons.

It comes after the Met Office issued a yellow and amber warning for parts of the region because of "heavy and prolonged" rainfall.

Theatre director Peter Beck, 51, said: "We are working around the clock to remedy the situation and sort the leak out and hope we can get back up and running as quickly as possible."

The theatre, which can seat about 150 people, is based in the Grade I-listed St James's Church, which dates back to the 15th and 16th Centuries.

"We came in and found some of the water has come in backstage and, unfortunately, where our electrics come into the building," said Mr Beck.

"It is a real challenge actually and anytime there is some bad weather we are always thinking we are going to find it challenging."

Mr Beck said water had managed to get through the building's ceiling

He said the theatre hoped to reopen at the weekend as it had two shows on Saturday.

The A47 was also closed on Friday from the A148 at King's Lynn due to excessive rainfall associated with Storm Claudia but had since reopened, National Highways said.

Public transport was also affected, including East Midlands Railway services between Liverpool Lime Street and Norwich.