SCORES of productions were cancelled and hundreds of people left disappointed last night after heath and safety chiefs ordered the immediate closure of a North-East theatre.

More than 40 productions have been cancelled at the Forum Theatre, Billingham, on Teesside, with immediate effect after storms caused severe damage to the roof.

A task force has been working around the clock to try to avoid disruption to the packed theatre programme, including popular shows such as a

Valentine's Day performance by 1990s rock singer Curtis Stigers and US soul singer Alexander O'Neal, who recently stormed back into the top ten UK album charts with his Greatest Hits.

Heavy winds that battered the region on January 8 ripped away cladding panels and parts of the roof, directly above the stage.

As a result, the Forum - which holds up to 650 people - has cancelled its programme until the end of May.

Theatre manager Derek Cooper said: "Everyone is bitterly disappointed with the news, but our hands are tied.

"The damage is 60ft above the stage, which means a health and safety risk to the staff.

"It is a huge job because scaffolding needs to be erected around the whole of the stage to support workmen and their materials.

"If the damage wasn't as high, I'm sure we wouldn't have been left in this difficult position."

The Forum has been at the centre of recent controversial plans that include demolishing the building, which is situated in the town centre.

The theatre was forced to cancel four pantomime performances during the gales.

Neil Schneider, Stockton Borough Council's corporate director of development and neighbourhood services, said: "We greatly regret the need for this action and the inconvenience for theatre users. But health and safety requirements must take priority."

Hundreds of guests will be affected after booking for productions such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jim Davidson and Blood Brothers.

Ticket-holders have the option of a refund or can exchange tickets to rescheduled dates during the autumn season.

Mr Cooper said: "At the moment, we have no idea how long this work is going to take so we have cancelled shows until the end of May.

"We know it will be at least two to three months.

"I have managed to rearrange the majority of shows for dates starting in September."

Refunds can be obtained from the box office from next Wednesday.

The closure affects only the auditorium, and all other areas of the theatre complex are open as usual.

Bill McKay, the Health and Safety Executive's principal inspector of construction for the North-East, said: "Inspectors have been in contact with those engaged in the work, including the specialist licensed asbestos contractor.

"Although we understand the concerns people may have about asbestos, we have good reason to believe that work will be carried out in a safe manner."

Anyone with queries should contact the box office on (01642) 552663.

Published: 21/01/2005