POSTER problems have led to panto bosses pulling the plug on their production.

Eurovision star Josh Dubovie was all set to appear as Aladdin in the pantomime at the Civic Hall, Grays.

Meanwhile, posters have been going up across Basildon announcing Josh, who lives in Laindon, was turning on Basildon’s Christmas lights.

It has been claimed these led to confusion that Josh was appearing in Basildon's panto at the Towngate Theatre, which happens to be Aladdin as well.

Theatre Productions, the company behind Aladdin in Grays, have now cancelled, blaming “disappointing” ticket sales due to the posters. The firm believes people have been signing up for the Basildon version because they think Josh is starring in it.

A spokesman for Theatre Productions said: “It has come to light much of the promotion for Josh has been placed alongside huge displays and promotion for Towngate’s production of the same name and Basildon’s forthcoming lights switch on.”

The whole episode could also leave St Luke’s Hospice, based in Basildon, out of pocket, as it was due to receive a donation from ticket sales for the now cancelled Grays show.

Josh’s father, Richard Dubovie, is disappointed for his son. He said: “The adverts clearly say it’s for the Christmas lights, but a lot of people have asked me when Josh is at the Towngate.”

Eighties pop star David Van Day, Big Brother’s Nikki Grahame, and former Emmerdale actor Joe Sugden, were also lined up for the panto.

Karie Musson, Theatre Productions marketing director, said: “The one really disappointing aspect is we feel we may have let down our nominated charity, which would have received a donation from ticket sales and the gala night opening. We will be looking at ways in which we can make it up to them.”

St Luke’s community fundraiser, Anita Whelan, was also disappointed. She said: “It’s a shame for the local community and for everyone who has been working so hard to make the project a success.”

The hospice is refunding the tickets it sold, while other customers should call Ticketline.

Paul Brace, manager of Leisure Services at Basildon Council, which runs the Towngate, said: “We are sorry to hear another pantomime has been cancelled, however, it’s disappointing another unconnected production is being blamed.

“We are very supportive of St Luke’s and are sad to hear that it will miss out, so we will be running a collection on its behalf during our gala night performance.”