The Forum Theatre has been closed after asbestos was discovered following a recent water leak with Walney Musical Theatre Company’s Legally Blonde The Musical performances cancelled.

An investigations in the backstage area of The Forum confirmed the presence of asbestos and Westmorland and Furness Council have stressed that there is no evidence of exposure.

In a statement they said: “It is important to stress at the outset that no traces have been found in air quality tests and there is no evidence to suggest that anyone has been exposed to risk.

“We fully appreciate that people will be concerned. However, we can assure everyone that the decision to cancel is a ‘belt and braces approach to health and safety responding to the information we have been given by specialist advisors supporting the council.

“The next step is for a full survey of the theatre area to be undertaken to understand the extent of the problem and determine a way forward.”

The Council also said that given this news, they have taken the difficult decision to cancel Friday and Saturday night’s performances of Legally Blonde The Musical and that the theatre will be out of use for the time being.

In the statement the council confirmed: “Performances scheduled for next week after Legally Blonde will not be going ahead in the theatre and we are contacting producers on possible options for alternative venues. We will update on this just as soon as decisions are made.

“Members of our box office team are contacting Legally Blonde ticket holders to make them aware and advise on their options.

The theatre has no further bookings for August after next week.

“Clearly everyone concerned with The Forum feels desperately sorry for all performers, organisers and tickets holders that the shows cannot go ahead as planned, but public safety has to remain our absolute priority.”

“We, again, would like to thank patrons for their support and the understanding shown during a difficult 24 hours.”

The rest of the Forum, including the café, is unaffected and remains open and available to the public.

Walney Musical Theatre Company released a statement on social media with spokesperson John Edwards saying: “I’ve just received the news that none of us wanted.

“Our production of Legally Blonde is now cancelled following instructions from the council after the discovery of asbestos backstage.

“It is important to stress at the outset that no traces have been found in air quality tests and there is no evidence to suggest any users of The Forum, including our company, has been exposed to the risk.

“We’re distraught and I honestly don’t have anything more to say other than to thank my incredible, wonderful cast and crew for six months of hard work and how desperately sad I am that they only got to show it for two nights of a planned five.

“They’ve been a complete joy to work with and the energy on that stage was something really special. I can’t quite comprehend that this has happened.

“The Forum, and us, will be in touch soon around tickets. I don’t know what comes next – I’ll provide further updates when I can.”