Shows cancelled after asbestos found at theatre

The Forum in Barrow has cancelled its shows this weekend and next week

A theatre has been forced to close and cancel shows after asbestos was found backstage.

The Forum in Barrow-in-Furness was due to show Legally Blonde The Musical on Thursday but the performance was called off at short notice.

Now the theatre, which is owned and operated by Westmorland and Furness Council, will be closed until next week, although the rest of the building remains open.

A spokesman said: "It is important to stress at the outset that no traces [of asbestos] have been found in air quality tests and there is no evidence to suggest that anyone has been exposed to risk."

Alternative venues for next week's shows are being considered and the box office will be in touch with ticket holders, the theatre said.

It added while theatre performances were cancelled, the rest of the building, including the cafe, will remain open.

The asbestos was found during investigations in the backstage area following a water leak.

"The next step is for a full survey of the theatre area to be undertaken to understand the extent of the problem and determine a way forward," the spokesman added.

"Clearly everyone concerned with The Forum feels desperately sorry for all performers, organisers and tickets holders that the shows cannot go ahead as planned, but public safety has to remain our absolute priority."