After the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the show's original performance run in May, the society was pleased to be able to rearrange for September - but the continued restrictions on gathering indoors mean that the decision has been taken to reschedule again.

Although theatres may be given the go-ahead to stage productions after summer, the current guidance doesn't allow for rehearsals or technical work to take place.

Unfortunately, the rights to stage the production weren't available to PODS for 2021 - another group in the region had already requested and been granted them - but the society have pledged to bring it back, bigger and better than ever during spring half-term in 2022. Performances will run from Tuesday, May 24 to Saturday, May 28.

Rob Bristow, PODS chairman, said: “So much planning goes into putting on a production of this scale and our incredible cast and crew have worked so hard, we were very nearly ready to go onstage, so this is incredibly disappointing news for all of us.

“Sadly the theatrical rights to perform Shrek have already been licensed to a youth group in Peterborough for next year, so we'll have to wait until 2022 to bring our version of Shrek to The Cresset, but we will definitely be back, we can't wait to get Shrek, Donkey and Fiona back to Duloc and we really hope all of our wonderful, loyal patrons will bear with us just a little bit longer - we promise it will be worth the wait!”

The Cresset will contact ticket holders directly in coming days. Customers are asked to wait for the venue to contact them to discuss options.

The most recent production by PODS, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, scooped three prizes at the annual NODA awards.

Despite the wait for Shrek: The Musical, the Peterborough-based dramatic society are planning productions for the 2021 season, including Elf The Musical, arriving at The Cresset in November 2021.

For a current events list including rescheduled shows visit www.cresset.co.uk.