Theatre technicians in Kent have had to set up a stage using torchlight this week after the venue suffered a mass power cut.

The Tower Theatre in Folkestone has had no electricity since Monday afternoon when contractors at a nearby housing development reportedly cut through a cable.

The performance space, based on North Road in Shorncliffe, is used by Folkestone and Hythe Operatic and Dramatic Society (FHODS) who are due to go on stage in just two days time.

The drama group are in their final rehearsals for My Boy Jack, a play about Rudyard Kipling and the First World War.

It is due to start this Thursday for four performances and staff are hoping the lack of power will not prevent the show from going on.

The damage occurred at the new Taylor Wimpey development Shorncliffe Heights.

Contractors and site developers say they are doing all they can to repair the damage, but power has not yet been restored.

A spokesperson for Taylor Wimpey said: "We would like to apologise to The Tower Theatre and any other residents and businesses affected by the power cut next to our Shorncliffe Heights development.

"This was caused when our contractor accidentally damaged a power cable adjacent to the work area.

"We are working with the electricity provider to repair the damage as quickly as possible and are in regular contact with all affected parties."

The housing firm added that a generator to supply temporary power to the affected properties has been provided, until mains power is restored.

Roger Joyce, who is directing the show My Boy Jack, said: "The show will go on!

"Our set building and props volunteers are working by torchlight, and rehearsals are progressing in cast members’ houses.

"If the opening night is not as polished as FHODS shows usually are, we are sure our audiences will understand."

FHODS chairman Sam Lovelace-Walne said: "This is just the sort of crisis that brings out the wartime spirit.

"We are rallying the troops, and we are confident that we will stage a memorable production despite all the difficulties.

"The fact that the Tower Theatre is a converted army garrison church makes this production all the more poignant."

People who have already booked tickets should turn up as normal.

Although the telephone booking system has been knocked out by the power outage, tickets can still be booked online at www.towertheatrefolkestone.co.uk and will also be available on the door.