THESPIANS in Portishead have had to cancel a production for the first time in 80 years - after a leading man stood down on ill health grounds. Portishead Players was due to put on a production of the drama Laying The Ghost at the Somerset Hall from Octobe

THESPIANS in Portishead have had to cancel a production for the first time in 80 years - after a leading man stood down on ill health grounds.Portishead Players was due to put on a production of the drama Laying The Ghost at the Somerset Hall from October 11-13.But the cast had to take the tough decision this week to cancel the show after an actor stood down from his role on health grounds.Members of the group said they had no choice but to cancel because it would be impossible to find a new actor to replace the lead man with just days to go until curtain up. Portishead Players chairman Marion Lidbury said: "We are all devastated that this show has been cancelled."But to find a new lead with only 10 days to go before the show opened was an impossible task."Initially a different man was appointed to take the lead role but he had to stand down because of pressure of work.The new lead was appointed but then fell ill with heart problems.The cast had been busy rehearsing for the show for six weeks and the Somerset Hall had been booked.A number of tickets from the production had also been sold.Show publicity officer Arnie Strong said: "These things do happen and there is no way we could have predicted it."But we will be back with a new show in November which will be Jane Eyre."We are also hoping to put on another show in May to make up for the one our members and our customers missed."Mr Strong said that anyone who had purchased a ticket would receive a full refund.He added: "We will have a representative at the hall incase anyone has not heard that the show has been cancelled."Also, anyone with tickets will be entitled to a full refund."The next production will open at the Somerset Hall from November 29 - December 1.