PANTOMIME performers have been left "devastated" following a decision by Kidderminster's Rose Theatre to dump their shows after six years of sell-out productions.

Limelight - which stages shows featuring Wyre Forest actors and dancers - has been told by the Nonentities amateur dramatic group, which runs the theatre, it is no longer welcome.

After months of trying to negotiate dates for a panto in 2017, Nonentities chairman Stephen Downing sent a letter to Limelight chairman Marsha White saying "the relationship between our two companies has broken down completely” meaning they could no longer work together.

But Mrs White said the letter was unexpected as she believed they had always had a good relationship with the theatre.

Mr Downing refused to comment on the row when approached by The Shuttle.

This is another blow for Limelight as it had already missed out on dates to stage a pantomime at the Rose this season.

Chairman Marsha White said Mr Downing’s letter had come "out of the blue" as in his previous correspondence he had stated: "I do not believe there are any misunderstandings between Limelight and the Rose committee."

She added: "That was prompted by my request for a meeting after negative comments about Limelight appeared on the Nonentities Facebook page."

Panto director Jane Bennett said: "We are all devastated and baffled by the attitude of Mr Downing as we thought we had a good rapport with the Nonentities and had even gone 50-50 on the purchase of a star cloth.

"We worked very hard to make the panto the success it was - a panto for the people of the town."

She said the shows also provided a "wonderful opportunity" for young performers to develop their skills, and a number have gone on to perform professionally in the West End.

Mrs White said problems with the Rose management were encountered earlier this year when dates for 2016 were offered and then withdrawn.

She said: "Other dates were offered which we accepted after cast members rescheduled their holidays but by then the Nonentities had booked their own festive parties at the theatre which they said made it impossible for us to perform."

Miss Bennett added: "It is such a shame because our pantos had a huge following and it seems as well as not being able to perform panto at the venue we will not be able to stage any other productions at the Rose in the future.

"This is both sad and confusing especially as the organisation states it is administered as a charitable trust on behalf of the people of the Wyre Forest district."

In his letter to Mrs White, Mr Downing said: “The relationship between our two companies has broken down completely and therefore it is not possible for us to work together in the future.

“We hope you will be successful in finding an alternative venue for your work.”