KEIGHLEY Playhouse has scrapped all of its plays for the rest of the year due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

The amateur theatre group has warned it could even have to delay the start of its planned 2020/21 season until further into the New Year.

Bosses at the volunteer-run group believe the continuing need for social distancing will make it impractical to present its normal programme.

The Playhouse, which usually presents seven plays each year to packed houses at its Devonshire Street theatre, has issued a statement about its changed plans.

It said: "As a result of the current coronavirus emergency, the Playhouse will remain closed until at least the end of the current calendar year.

"Social distancing requirements, which it is anticipated will continue for some considerable time to come, mean that it is impracticable to present the normal programme of productions.

"2019/20 season ticket holders will have their current seats reserved until such time as normal service is resumed and they will remain valid for the next three productions, whenever they occur."

Under normal circumstances, Playhouse members would be preparing for their last play of the 2019/20 season, the vintage comedy Arsenic and Old Lace which was due to be performed at the end of June.

The Playhouse's season runs from September to June each year.

In the current season. The Playhouse had already presented comedy is Side Effects and Spirit Level, modern classic A Streetcar Named Desire, and Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol,

The actors had performed one night of Agatha Christie courtroom drama Witness for the Prosecution when the coronavirus lockdown forced the closure of the theatre in mid-March.

John Godber's comedy Lucky Sods, due to be directed by Playhouse veteran Robin Martin and planned for May 4-9 performances, also fell victim.

Theatregoers are advised to keep watch on the Playhouse website, keighleyplayhouse.co.uk, as circumstances develop.