CHILDREN were left “in tears” after their performance at the Towngate Theatre was halted due to a power cut.

Students from Southend Razzamataz, a theatre school based at Southend High School for Girls, took to the stage at the Basildon theatre on Saturday night after weeks of rehearsals to prepare.

However, the performance was plunged into darkness four times before being cancelled due to repeated power outages on the night.

One parent, who contacted the Echo, was left devastated after the big night was “ruined” and said children from the theatre school “left the stage in tears” after Towngate bosses were unable to restore power.

They added that the theatre school had spent weeks rehearsing for the show and preparing, including buying costumes, while parents had paid out on tickets for the eagerly-anticipated performance.

Bosses at the Towngate Theatre apologised to all those involved. However, they insisted that the safety of the audience and performers is the “priority”.

The theatre has also confirmed that a rescheduled performance will take place next week with new tickets being transferred for parents and a full refund offered to those who cannot attend.

A spokesman for the theatre said: “We were all very disappointed that Saturday’s performance by Razzamataz had to be stopped due to an electrical supply fault.

“This was due to a power failure which is beyond the Towngate Theatre’s control and is believed to have originated from the supply into the building from the network.

“Both UK Power Networks and our contractors have spent the weekend identifying the issues, and all power has been restored.

“Although it is always disappointing to curtail a show, the Towngate’s priority will always be the safety of the audience and performers.

“With no electrical supply to the theatre, we were left with no other viable option other than to shut the building down whilst work was undertaken to restore power.

“A rescheduled date has been confirmed with Razzamataz for next week, all bookers have been contacted today with this update and informed of the various ticket options available.”