WEYMOUTH Pavilion will temporarily close its doors after today and shows have been postponed due to the second lockdown.

The popular tourist attraction, like other hospitality venues, has been ordered to shut by the Government during the 28-day lockdown.

All shows scheduled for November have been postponed until 2021 and people who have tickets to any affected shows will be contacted by the Box Office.

Affected shows that have been postponed include top comedian Milton Jones, WOW presents Shrek the Musical, Ladyboys of Bangkok, tribute show One Night of Elvis, an evening with forensic pathologist Dr Richard Shepherd and the Rat Pack Christmas Show.

Weymouth Pavilion remains open until the end of today to the general public to buy food and drink or to visit the Box Office.

A spokesman for Weymouth Pavilion said: “Due to the most recent government guidelines, Weymouth Pavilion will be closed from Thursday.

“We’ve had a fantastic few months back at Weymouth Pavilion doing what we do best, which is live shows and putting a smile on your faces!

“We’ve hosted several successful shows, multiple events, dance classes and training sessions but now it’s time for us to say goodbye again.

“We would like to say a big thank you to our wonderful loyal customers and our fantastic team of volunteers who have once again helped us get back on our feet - what would we do without you?”

Staff at the venue remain hopeful they will be able to stage their Rapunzel pantomime this Christmas. They aim to host almost 50 performances of the fairy tale between Friday, December 4 and Sunday, January 3, 2021.

Anyone who had booked tickets for the panto are being advised to hold onto their tickets and will be contacted by the Box Office.

The theatre, which was saved from demolition in 2013, was forced to close due to the pandemic and made 25 members of staff – 70 per cent of its workforce - redundant after suffering losses of more than £500,000 during lockdown.

The venue has received £573,413 lifeline from the Government which will be used for on-going monthly costs, essential repairs and upkeep to the fabric of the building, continued support for community events and providing coronavirus-safe entertainment.

Another popular Dorset entertainment venue, Lighthouse, has also confirmed it will be temporarily closing during the lockdown.

The Poole venue will continue to show live performances, film screenings and activities up to and including Wednesday, November 4 and Beacon Café will be open.

CEO, Elspeth McBain said: “We have been so fortunate to have been open for the last six weeks and seen artists and audiences returning to our venue. This second closure is a short pause and with determination, a can-do attitude and our usual showbiz gusto we aim to be back for a fabulous Christmas season.

“We are grateful that the Government has permitted television production and performance rehearsals behind closed doors to continue and so the BSO live streamed concert series will continue.

“Thank you for your support, patience and understanding during this time. The team at Lighthouse appreciate this enormously.’