Southend Cliffs Pavilion Bonnie and Clyde musical cancelled

The Bonnie and Clyde Musical was due to open at Cliffs Pavilion in Southend this evening for five nights of adventure - but show bosses have cancelled the tour while on the road.

The shock announcement was made on the show's social media accounts this morning - with performances stopping immediately.

A statement read: "Bonnie & Clyde The Musical will conclude its UK and Ireland tour with immediate effect.

"We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production."

It is not yet known how theatregoers will be able to get a refund (Image: Richard Davenport)

Bonnie and Clyde follows the American story of two lovers who became notorious outlaws while on their campaign of robberies and murders in the Midwest during the great depression.

Director Nick Winston had a star-studded cast on the tour, which started in February, including Coronation Street actor Catherine Tyldesley and Alex James-Hatton

The show's producers told sister paper the Argus: "It has been concluded that due to disappointing ticket sales it is no longer financially viable to continue with the tour.

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"We would like to thank the extremely hard working and endlessly talented cast and company that have entertained thousands of audience members across the country with this production."

People who bought tickets for the show will be contacted by their point of purchase with further information soon, it was stated.

Bonnie and Clyde had two successful runs in the West End before the national tour - but it was not able to drum up enough interest in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland.

Fan Susie Stewart said she was "gutted" for the cast and crew. She said: "An incredible show and performances that blew me away. You truly have been part of something that meant so much to so many people."

Tickets for the Southend shows were advertised as recently as yesterday - but less than 24 hours later it was axed.

A Bonnie and Clyde spokesman told the Argus the show's producers will not comment any further.