ROWAN ATKINSON - WEST END SHOWS CANCELLED AS SNOW CRIPPLES LONDON

WEST END SHOWS CANCELLED AS SNOW CRIPPLES LONDON

Several plays and musicals in London's West End have been cancelled after heavy snowfall in the capital.

Performances of the new production of Oliver!, as well as big-budget musicals including Avenue Q and Jersey Boys have been called off as London was hit by its worst snow in 18 years.

A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Novello Theatre has also been cancelled while the Royal Opera House and English National Opera have also scrapped performances.

Monday evening shows of some 25 productions in total have been cancelled, according to theatre magazine Stage, with further cancellations expected.

The cancellation of Oliver!, starring Rowan Atkinson and I'd Do Anything winner Jodie Prenger, was confirmed in a statement from Delfont Mackintosh Theatres, who said: "Due to adverse weather conditions, we are unable to guarantee whether our full staff, cast and company can travel into central London today.

"The safety of our audience is also of paramount importance and therefore the decision has been made to cancel performances of Avenue Q, Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and Oliver! this evening."

Most theatregoers are expected to be permitted to exchange their tickets for the cancelled performances.