The world premiere of a new musical version of 'Sleeping Beauty' will not go ahead at Dublin's Gaiety Theatre as scheduled, due to difficulties with financing.
The musical, which counted 'You're a Star' winner Leanne Moore and former 'Red Dwarf' actor Danny John-Jules amongst its cast, was due to receive its world premiere on 29 May before transferring to London's West End.
It is now planned that the musical will premiere in London's West End with much of the Dublin cast being offered roles in the re-scheduled production.
The financial difficulties stem from investors EMI records pulling out of the project. According to the producers of the musical, the record label, "were unable, under their new corporate structure and amidst major cost-cutting measures worldwide, to provide full financing for the production as required by the producers."
Producer John Ward said: "Dublin was always our first choice of venue for the world premiere of this wonderful new musical and I am deeply disappointed that we are unable to proceed with what would have been a fantastic premiere in Ireland.
"I apologise to all theatre-goers who are disappointed by this unavoidable turn of events and hope that they will be able to come and see the show in London when it opens there later this year."
Customers who had booked tickets for the musical will receive a full refund for the cancelled performances from their point of sale.
The world premiere of the musical had previously run into difficulty after its initial opening date of 14 May was pushed back by two weeks.
