Maldon Drama Group has announced that COVID has 'flown through' the cast and crew of 'Treasure Island', cancelling its planned performances this week.

The amateur dramatic group was due to perform Treasure Island this Thursday, with its final show on Saturday but – due to illness – the show simply cannot go on.

Spokesperson Carey Brown said: "It is with heavy hearts we announce that, due to COVID flying through the cast and crew, now striking key players, we have taken the sad decision to cancel this week's performances."

Adapted from the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island is a firm family favourite, following young Jim Hawkins' adventures searching for treasure aboard the Jolly Todger.

Ms Brown said: "We are hoping the Jolly Todger will set sail again in April 2023."

The group told Nub News it was sorry to disappoint everyone, but says it had no choice: "We have been playing COVID relay and we lost."

The organisation will regroup in two weeks' time, with a read through for its next production: One Man, Two Guvnors by Richard Bean.

Anyone who is interested in joining should attend the read-throughs on Wednesday 20 & 27 April at Maldon Town Hall from 8pm. Auditions will be held on Wednesday 4 May and the production will be shown on 13, 14 & 15 October.

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The performance will mark the group's 70th anniversary. It was originally founded in 1952, as the All Saints Drama Group, and has been in its current form since 2002.

It was nominated for 11 awards in 2019.

Those with tickets for the cancelled Treasure Island performance will be contacted directly by ticket vendor TicketSource, or the group's secretary, regarding a refund or rebooking.