A DUMBARTON theatre group has announced the cancellation of its forthcoming season.

Dumbarton People's Theatre, which usually stages productions at the Denny Civic Theatre, said it will be unable to put on shows in the venue for "at least another year".

The theatre says this is down to the Leisure Trust, which is planning to replace the light and sound equipment and potential further improvements.

In a statement on social media, a spokesperson for the Dumbarton People's Theatre said: "Normally tonight would have been the dress rehearsal for the first play of our season.

"With the gradual easing of restrictions, we had hoped that the coming season would proceed as normal. However, we regret to tell you that we will not be able to stage any productions in the Denny Civic Theatre for at least another year.

"This is due to the fact that the Leisure Trust, who run the theatre, have intimated that they are replacing the light and sound equipment and may also be carrying out further improvements.

"While investment in the theatre is very welcome, it is particularly disappointing that this is happening now when the theatre has already been closed for a year.

"Unfortunately, there is nowhere else in the town that would allow us to stage productions of the same quality that we can in the Denny Civic.

"Although there are halls none of these have the theatre facilities that the Denny provides and we have regretfully taken the decision that the forthcoming season in its usual form will have to be cancelled.

"Hopefully, we may be able to stage some alternative events in other venues and any news will be posted here.

"We can only apologise to all those who attend and we hope that we will be able to welcome you back sooner rather than later."

John Anderson, manager of West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust, added: "We are sorry for the disappointment caused to the Dumbarton People’s Theatre and all our other users.

"During the summer our long-standing contractor retired at short notice and removed all their audio-visual infrastructure from the site. Without this equipment, we are unable to support performances at this time.

"The replacement of this audio-visual equipment is a technical project that will require careful scoping and procurement. Colleagues within West Dunbartonshire Council are currently working with us to support this activity.

"The Denny Civic Theatre is an integral part of our arts provision and we are committed to its continued development. This is evidenced by discussions ongoing with the council with a view to developing proposals to fully upgrade the venue as part of Dumbarton’s Levelling Up Funding bid."