A live show which was to recreate one of the classic radio comedies has been cancelled owing to poor ticket sales.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide To The Galaxy Radio Show 2013 was due at the York Grand Opera House on Friday, November 1.
The radio scripts were brought to life on stage by an ensemble cast, with a different guest star playing the narrator role, The Voice Of The Book, at each performance.
Comedian Phill Jupitus was due to play this part in York.
When it originally toured in 2012, it played to 35,000 people, and John Challis – famously Boycie in Only Fools And Horses – was the star guest. But this time round demand has been slow.
A statement by producers The Radio Theatre Company said: “Although a well-loved show, Hitchhiker’s Live has been subject to the same extreme economic pressures as many productions touring the UK this autumn. Ticket sales across the board have been lower than average and we have not escaped this trend.”
In a personal note on the show’s Facebook page, director Dirk Maggs, and Simon Jones who starred as Arthur Dent in both the radio, TV and theatre productions, spoke of their “infinite regret” at the cancellation.
“Having worked so hard to put on a show worthy of Douglas Adams and his devoted fans, we are utterly devastated,” they said.
“It has been a pleasure to be a part of a company, band and crew who have become a close knit family. We know people hoping to see the show will be as horribly disappointed as we are, and offer our heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience this has caused.”