Struggling families who were given free tickets to Wuthering Heights at Norwich Theatre Royal have been told they will be able to attend another show instead after the performances were cancelled due to a Covid outbreak in the cast.

All performances of the theatre adaption of the Emily Bronte novel have been affected by the outbreak, which has left a high number of cast and crew members unable to perform.

It comes after Labour city councillor, Emma Corlett, had arranged for families and groups of people who are usually unable to attend the theatre due to finances or because they feel uncomfortable to be offered free tickets for performances.

But now the theatre, which is located in Ms Corlett's Town Close division, has said the group will be invited to a future performance.

A Norwich Theatre Royal spokeswoman said: "We regret to announce that this week’s performances of Wuthering Heights at Norwich Theatre Royal cannot go ahead due to COVID-19 cases amongst the cast and crew.

"We apologise for this disappointment and wish the cast and crew a speedy recovery. Our Box Office team is currently contacting all ticket-holders to offer a credit note or refund.

"We offered free tickets to disadvantaged groups so they will be arranged for another show."

Following the cancellation, Ms Corlett said the theatre had been "brilliant" in offering the tickets and allowing the groups to attend future shows.

She said: "Unfortunately the show was cancelled, but the theatre have been brilliant throughout in broadening accessibility and helping local residents who might not be able to afford to go to the theatre or might not feel comfortable going.

"For a lot of them it's right on their doorstep, yet they can't afford to go, so I'm delighted the theatre is doing this to help those struggling.

"A lot of people find the theatre particularly intimidating and they don't know what to think, and the theatre is trying hard by taking these people in and welcome them by giving them a cup of tea and just letting them have a look round while it's empty.

"The arts should be for everyone so it's important to broaden accessibility and building for the future."

Ms Corlett said following positive feedback, the theatre was now preparing to offer a number of reduced tickets for future productions.