An upcoming Christmas show will still go ahead at the Forum this December despite the theatre's closure.

In August, it was revealed that the theatre would have to close its doors for up to six months following further surveys in the wake of the discovery of asbestos in its backstage area.

The closure was said to be necessary to protect staff, performers and the public. 

Westmorland and Furness Council, who own and manage the Forum, immediately closed the theatre and backstage area in July as a precaution while specialist contractors carried out extra investigations.

Those surveys and assessments concluded that it will not be possible to do the necessary work to remove the asbestos without closing the whole theatre space and backstage area.

Other parts of the Forum remain open, including the café and meeting rooms, which has created an unexpected opportunity for some shows to go ahead.

Last month, the team at Barrow Panto shared that they had been working with The Forum to transform its Grasmere and Rydal Suite into the 'Platform 28 Theatre'.

A more intimate spot for productions, the newly revamped space offers 200 seats, which will allow certain shows to hit the stage despite initial fears over the closure.

Last weekend, details were revealed about 'It's Behind You', an adults only, immersive theatre production that will put a festive spin on the typical murder mystery.

This will be the latest show to put the 'Platform 28 Theatre' through its paces when it comes to Barrow on Friday, December 13.

Tickets for the special performance will be going on sale soon, with the public encouraged to follow Barrow Panto's social media pages for any future updates.

By the time the murder mystery rolls around, the panto group will already have turned the theatre into their home, with 'The Santa Express' coming to town between December 5 and 24.