THE long-awaited Dorchester Community Play has been postponed for a year due to coronavirus.

In an announcement, organisers at the Dorchester Community Plays Association said the outbreak had left them with 'no option' but to put performances of Spinning the Moon on hold until spring 2021 - with promises to come back stronger next year.

The performance was originally billed for this spring.

Rowan Seymour, chairman, said: "There is no doubt that we will be back and the seventh community play will rise again like a phoenix from the ashes.

"We have built a tremendous community, costumes have been made and props gathered. We have had a wonderful time rehearsing and, with a bit more fundraising, will be in a great position to kick start again."

The full statement reads:

Dorchester Community Plays Association has a huge responsibility for the health of our cast, crew, audience and the community in which we operate, and as the coronovirus situation has accelerated at such a speed we felt we had no option but to postpone the play.

We are now intending to stage Spinning the Moon over the Easter holiday of 2021.

"We want to stress that while we may be down, we are certainly not out, and we will come back even stronger next year. During the rehearsal period we have created a strong and wonderful community, so let’s keep this going over the next few months – spring 2021 will come around faster than we realise.

In the meantime, let’s keep the spirit of Spinning the Moon alive. Please keep in touch, share any thoughts you have about the play and, most importantly, look after yourselves and stay well.