THE postponement of an opening night at Hereford's Courtyard Theatre gave fuel conscious audiences a chance to keep their tickets.

The theatre decided to cancel the opening night of Sweeney Todd on Tuesday after software running the score for the Stephen Sondheim's musical thriller failed.

The software, which stopped during technical rehearsals, could not be replaced, so the performance was cancelled.

Lee Collins, press and marketing manager at the theatre, said people were very understanding about it, adding he was sure audiences were pleased to conserve fuel.

People understandably don't like cancelled performances," he said.

Everyone was very understanding and have been given tickets for the revised performances.

A lot of the ticket holders said they were not going to be able to make it anyway, as they wanted to save petrol."

Director of the play, Jonathan Stone, apologised for the action, adding that it wouldn't have been taken if there had been an alternative.

For more information on the play, which runs until Saturday, September 23, contact the Courtyard box office on 01432 359252.