A popular Southend theatre will shut its doors to visitors for two days this week.

Cliffs Pavilion has issued a warning to theatre-goers as it will be closed for a private event later this week.

The theatre will be closed to the public on Wednesday (April 26) and Thursday (April 27) for the event.

Southend Theatres has advised visitors its welcome desk will remain open for "personal callers".

Customers will be welcomed back on Friday (April 28).

A spokesman commented: "Please be advised. The Cliffs Pavilion will be closed to the public on Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th for a private event.

"Our welcome desk will remain open from 10am to 3pm for personal callers.

"We look forward to welcoming customers back on Friday 28th."

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This comes after theatre-goers were disappointed last week as Helen George pulled out of  The King and I performances at the popular theatre.

She was due to perform in shows on Friday and Saturday, however, reportedly “injured” herself during Thursday’s night show.

However, audiences were full of praise for her understudy Maria Coyne, who many thought did a "great" job.