Hairspray: West End musical cancels performances after Covid case

West End musical Hairspray has slotxo scrapped all performances for 10 days after a member of its production team tested positive for Covid-19.

The show at the London Coliseum, which stars Michael Ball and Les Dennis, has been suspended until 14 July.

The announcement comes after a matinee performance was cancelled on Sunday.

Producers said they were "adhering to the strictest of protocols" and the ill person "will not have come into contact with anyone visiting the venue".

Their statement said: "Unfortunately, despite extremely robust measures being in place, a member within the Hairspray company has sadly tested positive for Covid-19."

They added: "We want to reassure all of our audiences that due to the strict processes we have in place at the London Coliseum, this registered case will not have come into contact with anyone visiting the venue and we are confident that we have adhered to all the required health and safety requirements."

Under current government guidance, those who test positive for Covid-19, or who have been in close contact with someone who has, must self-isolate for 10 days.

"The safety of our customers remains our number one priority," the statement added. "Everyone at both the London Coliseum and in the Hairspray team are so sorry that this means these performances cannot go ahead."