A PENDLE theatre group's plans to stage one of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies has been struck a blow.

Things took a dramatic turn when Pendle Civic Players discovered by chance that they would have to cancel the final night of their next production after being double-booked by the very organisation that funds them.

Rehearsals for the Civic Players production of King Lear, a tale of double dealing and betrayal, have been going on since October in preparation for performances at the Civic Theatre, Nelson, from February 17 to 20.

But a few days ago disappointed director Sheila Till was talking to the hall caretaker and discovered the Saturday night finale clashed with a social function also booked at the hall.

Despite efforts of Pendle Leisure Services, which organises civic hall bookings and funds the Players, an alternative venue for the other group could not be found.

Now dozens of posters heralding the play will be altered as soon as possible to warn audiences that the performances will start on the Tuesday rather than Wednesday night. While the Players do not want to fall foul of their backers, theatre group member Maureen Roberts admitted many were extremely disappointed and upset at the mix-up.

"We normally book things two years in advance," explained Maureen. "Saturday night is the busiest performance and it's very disappointing to lose it.

"We've been rehearsing since October and we've put so much work into what is a major production for us that we weren't prepared to just to stage it for three nights so we added Tuesday as well. It won't be the same as a Saturday but it's the best we can do."

People who have already bought tickets for the Saturday performance will either be offered an alternative night or a refund.

Phil Storey, the council's leisure boss, said: "In our diary we've got the production written down for the week before it should be in. Unfortunately by the time it came to light we already had another commitment for the Saturday night.

"I will be looking into how it's happened to make sure we can avoid it happening again."

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