EAST Cowes' Amy White Theatre Company will not perform its annual pantomime in the town hall this year.

Due to continuing requirements for social distancing and current uncertainty about when theatres will be able to operate, it says it has made the decision to scrap plans for its Christmas show.

Arts on the Isle of Wight continue to face disruption from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, with theatre the latest area to suffer.

Rehearsals usually begin in September, taking place throughout the autumn and winter right up to the performance dates.

It is not known when the town hall may be permitted to reopen, so planning a rehearsal schedule and performances is not possible at this time, says the company.

A spokesperson for the Amy White Theatre said: "Thank you to the public for supporting the theatre in previous years and making this such a popular show. We look forward to putting on an even more dazzling spectacle for everyone in 2021."