A pantomime has been forced to postpone this year's shows due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The Orchard Theatre in Home Gardens, Dartford, announced its Jack and the Beanstalk shows this Christmas starring Christopher Biggins has had to be moved to next year.

It will now take place between December 11, 2021, and January 2, 2022.

The theatre said: "After much discussion we're sad to announce that our pantomime has been postponed until 2021.

"All tickets and reservations will be transferred to an equivalent performance, at the same price and in the same seats."

It also added how all performances will continue to be suspended until the end of January.

It said: "We have explored all options to continue with our autumn programme, but unfortunately it is just not viable to present full shows - with all that involves - while social distancing measures remain un place.

"The Culture Secretary's announcement that a relaxation will not be considered until November at the earliest has reluctantly led us to this decision."

The venue and Box Office will continue to remain closed and the theatre has asked customers to retain their tickets for any rescheduled dates as doing this "is the best way to support them" through to reopening.

The announcement came on the same day Gravesend's pantomime announced the show would go on this Christmas.

Kent's biggest Christmas pantomime, held at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, made the decision to cancel their show earlier this month, while the shows at Tunbridge Wells were also cancelled last month.

Read more: All the latest news from Dartford