Miracle Theatre said it was with sadness it is postponing its planned summer 2020 production of King Lear until next year.

The Cornish theatre company said that every day brought new guidance that meant this was the only responsible course of action to take, with the safety of its performers and audiences at stake.

The decision was also taken to safeguard its financial stability, with figures suggesting that people are already choosing to stay away from public events and ticket sales were fundamental to Miracle’s continued existence.

Miracle founder and artistic director Bill Scott said: "As the far-reaching effects of coronavirus continue to sink in, here at Miracle we are facing up to the strange reality of a summer with no tour.

“This is especially hard as it will be the first year since 1988 that we haven’t loaded up a van with people, props, set and costumes and headed off to the far-flung reaches of the Cornwall and the south west.

"Of course the shared experience of live theatre was always going to be an early casualty of the virus but over the coming months we will be looking for other ways we can stay connected with our wider company members, audiences, venues and stakeholders.

"We intend to make the best use of the ‘empty’ hours by planning and developing new ideas, taking inspiration from William Shakespeare himself, who used his weeks of self-isolation from the plague to dash off King Lear!

"We’re sending all good thoughts and wishes to everyone who is also feeling the challenges of this unique situation.

"Here’s hoping you can all stay safe and we look forward to resuming face to face contact in the reasonably near future."

Even in normal circumstances Miracle is constantly fundraising to fill the gap between its earned income and its core funding, as a registered charity.

To help support Miracle Theatre anytime by becoming a Miracle Friend or making a one-off donation via its website visit miracletheatre.co.uk and click on its Support page.