Shock as theatre musical AXED ahead of visit to Brighton stage

Low ticket sales have forced a musical to be axed  leaving fans "gutted".

The Bonnie and Clyde Musical was set to stop off at Brighton's Theatre Royal for five nights of adventure - but instead the stage will be empty as show bosses have cancelled the tour while on the road.

The shock announcement was made on the show's social media accounts this morning - with performances stopping immediately. Cast and crew were due to open at the Cliffs Pavilion in Southend this evening.

It is not yet known how theatregoers will be able to get a refund (Image: Richard Davenport)

Bonnie and Clyde follows the American story of two lovers who became notorious outlaws while on their campaign of robberies and murders in the Midwest during the great depression.

Director Nick Winston had a star-studded cast on the tour, which started in February, including Coronation Street actor Catherine Tyldesley and Alex James-Hatton

The show's producers told The Argus: "It has been concluded that due to disappointing ticket sales it is no longer financially viable to continue with the tour.

Read more: Stage adaptation of 101 Dalmatians to hit Brighton stage this Christmas

"We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production."

People who bought tickets for the show will be contacted by their point of purchase with further information soon, it was stated.

Bonnie and Clyde had two successful runs in the West End before the national tour - but it was not able to drum up enough interest in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.

Theatregoers were gearing up to watch the show in the restored Theatre Royal between July 23 and 27.

The Theatre Royal in Brighton (Image: Theatre Royal Brighton)

Fan Susie Stewart said she was "gutted" for the cast and crew. She said: "An incredible show and performances that blew me away. You truly have been part of something that meant so much to so many people."

Tickets for the show were advertised as recently as yesterday - but less than 24 hours later the show was axed.

Twitter user Lornamusique said: "Terrible for the cast and company, but a really poorly managed decision.

"The producers need to take a look at how this has been handled to ensure this sort of nonsense doesn’t happen again in future."

A Bonnie and Clyde spokesman said the show's producers will not comment any further.