Hundreds of theatre goers in Norwich were left disappointed after a stage production of classic Charlotte Bronte novel Jane Eyre was unable to go ahead.

People had arrived at the Norwich Theatre Royal on Thursday (July 20) expecting to see the National Theatre and Bristol Old Vic production start at 7.30pm.

But about 20 minutes after the show was due to start, the stage manager came on and told members of the audience that, unfortunately they were not able to do the show.

It is understood there were a number of cast members unavailable while the lead and understudy were also ill.

A Norwich Theatre Royal spokesman apologised for any inconvenience and said the box office would be in contact from Friday (July 21) to either offer people tickets to another show or alternatively a refund.

People leaving the show spoke of their disappointment at not being able to see the play.

Zack Green, 20, had travelled from Fakenham to see it and admitted it was 'a bit of a pain' that it did not happen.

He said: 'We were waiting about 15 minutes and the stage manager came out and said they just couldn't do it for the safety of everyone.

'They were very apologetic.'

Mr Green said he was 'disappointed' but had been offered tickets for another performance.

His friend Esther Stapleford, 20, from Norwich, said: 'I was looking forward to it. I'm a massive fan of Jane Eyre.'

She added that they were really apologetic.

Simon Thompson, 51, from Knapton, said: 'I'm disappointed because I was looking forward to it, but I've got tickets for Saturday.

'We were there for about 15 to 20 minutes before they made the announcement and people were getting restless.'

A 58-year-old man, who did not want to be named, said: 'It's just one of those things that happens. It's a live show, it can't be helped.'