THE doors at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre remained sealed and padlocked today after fears asbestos had been found in the building.

Thousands of theatregoers now face disappointment as shows look set to be called off.

Two shows over the weekend were cancelled and a further 16 over the next three weeks face the same fate unless theatre directors can re-schedule or find a new venue for them in the coming days.

The 650-seat theatre will stay closed while council officers work out the best way to tackle the asbestos, which was found during an inspection of the roof void above the auditorium on Friday afternoon.

Contractors have carried out air tests in the hall, and these test have shown no sign of asbestos in the air.

Swindon Council's director of property David Williams said he was confident that the work will only take three weeks but he could not rule out further delays.

He said: "We will know more about the extent of the problem later today.

"Any work needed to remove or encapsulate the asbestos will have to be carefully planned, particularly with the heights where officials will be working, so the biggest delay will be looking at the way to deal with it.

"I am confident however we can complete the work in three weeks."

Theatre director Andy Hill said the announcement was a big shock on Friday evening "It's come as a huge shock, but the health and safety of customers has to come first," he said.

"We have had to cancel two shows so far, but the next one is not until Thursday and we are working hard to either try and schedule them or find a new venue.

"We are in the process of contacting all the people who have purchased tickets for the shows in the coming three weeks, but that takes time, and people should not expect a phonecall by 10am Monday morning.

"It is big blow for the Wyvern especially as it is a theatre improving in reputation."

But Mr Hill said he hoped the incident might pave the way for talks on the future of the Wyvern.

He said: "I hope that this, might provide the foundations for a sensible debate on regenerating or redeveloping the Wyvern Theatre to modern standards which wouldn't have the problems of asbestos or even electrics which we have had to spent a lot of money on recently."

The Wyvern Theatre is a council-owned building but is run by Hetherington Seelig Theatre Productions, and is subject to regular asbestos inspections by council contractors.

Two productions of the children's show Mr Men and Little Miss were cancelled on Saturday, and the closure will affect shows such as Puppetry of the Penis, the Hellfire Comedy Club, Real Diamond, a screening of The Da Vinci Code film, and psychic Tony Stockwell.

The theatre should be open in time for Showaddywaddy on September 23.

Members of Swindon's Gilbert and Sullivan Society are disappointed their show Come And Sing is likely to be called off.

Chairman David Selwood said: "It is frustrating. A lot of preparation has gone into the event. Soloists have learnt their parts and there has been a lot of organisation going on behind the scenes.

"Personally I believe the council has over-reacted on this occasion, but it is a safety issue and we have to work with that."

Anyone who has already bought tickets or requires any further information should contact the ticket office on 01793 524481 or e-mail admin@wyverntheatre.org.uk

Performances off

Shows facing cancellation

  • One Man Star Wars Trilogy - Thursday, 7.30pm
  • Puppetry of the Penis - Friday, 7.30pm
  • Hellfire Comedy Club - Saturday, 8pm
  • Film, The Da Vinci Code - September, 11 10.30am and 7.30pm
  • Nashville Nights and Dixie Days - September 12, 7.30pm
  • Howard Marks - September 13, 7.30pm
  • Sweet Home Chicago - September 14, 7.30pm
  • The Vagina Monologues - September 15, 7.30pm
  • Real Diamond: Tribute to Neil Diamond - September 16, 7.30pm
  • Come and Sing - September 17, 7pm
  • The Cotton Club Party - September 18, 7.30pm
  • Tony Stockwell - September 19, 7.30pm
  • The Motown Show - September 20, 7.30pm
  • C'Mon Everybody - September 21, 7.30pm
  • The Barber of Seville - September 22, 7.30pm