The Pavilion Theatre has cancelled this year's Pantomime due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The venue said it was "extremely disappointed" as the announcement was made this evening on Facebook.

With reference to the Sauchiehall Steet fire, The Pavilion said that the best thing to do for ticket holders at this stage is to issue refunds.

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A statement reads: "We think that we have always been optimistic in terms whether this production will be able to go ahead but had to wait to see how things progressed.

"We feel that the time is right now to make a decision and unfortunately, we are extremely disappointed to announce that we will now have to cancel this for the safety of all our customers and staff as it is evident just how this virus can return and spread quickly, especially in close contact areas such as theatres.

"We are sure, like us, you will all be disappointed as the Pavilion Panto is for a lot, the family day out with a lot of families returning year on year."

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The venue added that it is hopeful for the year ahead as it announced a return of 'The Magical Adventures of Cinderella' - which will enable the theatre to keep the cast together with ‘lockdown’ ticket prices.

An e-link will also be sent to those who booked 'Santa Claus Is Coming to Town'.

The statement added: "It has become clear to us, having drawn on previous experience with cancelling or rescheduling shows - especially during the Sauchiehall Street fire closure two years ago -that the best thing to do for everybody is to have a clean start and refund all tickets.

"This gives customers back their money at a time where money is important but also is the ability to purchase right away if they chose to do that."

Refunds will commence from Monday 24 August 2020.

A rehearsal of ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’ will be filmed and made available to view online and on YouTube this Christmas Eve.