Theatre managers have announced they are suspending all shows until the end of January, which includes postponing their pantomime until next Christmas.

The Churchill Theatre in Bromley has taken the decision to suspend all its shows until January 31, 2021, due to the restrictions which social distancing places on staging productions.

That means Sleeping Beauty, which had been due to be put on this Christmas by producers Qdos Pantomimes, has been postponed to Christmas 2021.

The theatre's pantomime is regularly seen by more than 30,000 people each season, with last year's show starring veteran performer Christopher Biggins.

It comes after Qdos said in July they were keeping upbeat about the possibility of staging the show, saying: "We’re eagerly awaiting further information from the government to enable theatres to plan to reopen safely, allowing us all to live happily ever after, without having to resort to the use of magic beans."

In a statement, the theatre 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 - whilst social distancing measures remain in 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 show will now be staged from Saturday, December 4, 2021 to Sunday, January 2, 2022.

The statement added: "Panto 2021 will be brighter, funnier and more spectacular than before. After 2020 we are going to need it."

It comes after Qdos' other pantomime in Kent, at the Orchard Theatre in Dartford , was also postponed to next year.

Other pantomimes across the county which have been postponed include the Marlowe Theatre's in Canterbury, the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells, Chatham's Central Theatre but the Woodville in Gravesend and the Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks are both still due to go ahead.

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Six the Musical in Bromley in 2021