One of the three major pantomimes in York has been cancelled this year, with organisers Blue Genie Entertainment citing "disappointing" ticket sales as the cause.
Blue Genie Entertainment are relative newcomers to the York pantomime scene, with last year's Cinderella their first such production at the Barbican.
Competing with established favourites at York Theatre Royal and the Grand Opera House seems to have proven too difficult this year, though, and their mooted production of Dick Whittington has been cancelled just days before its opening.
The production was to have featured CBeebies presenter Alex Winters, soap actors Danny Young and Kim Taylforth, and Chloe Madeley.
Ticket holders are advised to contact the Barbican box office on 0844 854 2757 for a refund.