THE show goes on at the Alhambra Theatre tonight (Wednesday) after a mix-up over the venue's theatre licence this afternoon.

A crowd of people waiting to get into the theatre around 2pm for a performance of Chess, The Musical, by Dollar Academy pupils, scheduled for 2.30pm, were denied access.

They were turned away from the theatre with one angry theatre-goer telling the Press they were informed by a member of staff that it had been cancelled.

Police and Fife Council officials were then seen at the venue and the council issued a statement in response to enquiries by the Press shortly after 2pm from June Barrie, managing solicitor in planning and licensing, which stated the Alhambra did not have a current theatre licence.

In the statement, June Barrie said: "The Alhambra’s theatre licence expired on 27th May.

“In line with our usual practice, we issued a reminder letter and, after the licence expired without being renewed, followed this up with a call to the theatre.

“An application from the theatre was received on 9th June. For this type of licence we are required to consult council services, the police and the fire service.

“The licence cannot be granted until all these bodies have had a chance to consider the application.

“This is an annual application process so we encourage theatre operators to apply in advance of the expiry date to avoid this issue.”

However, just before 4.30pm the council issued a further, one-line statement, which read: “Reports have been returned from inspecting officials and the licence has now been granted.”

The Alhambra also confirmed: “Due to an administrative error by its company solicitors, the theatre was subsequently late in its application for renewal of the annual theatre licence.

“However we are pleased that the routine application and all inspections have now been completed, and a new licence has now been granted by Fife Council.

“All performances, beginning with this evening's performance of Chess, will go ahead as usual. Apologies to anyone inconvenienced.

“The Trust will work with Dollar Academy to make up for today’s disappointment.”

Dollar Academy also issued a statement on the school's Facebook page confirming the show would go on: "We are delighted that this evening's performance of Chess at the Alhambra Theatre will be going ahead as planned."

Details of the show on the Alhambra's website are as follows:  Wednesday 22nd June: 2.30pm and 7.30pm Thursday 23rd June: 7.30pm Friday 24th June: 7.30pm Tickets: Wednesday Matinee, 2.30pm £12.50 all tickets Wednesday and Thursday Evening, 7.30pm: £15.00, U16/OAP: £12.50 Friday Evening, 7.30pm: £15.00 all tickets BOX OFFICES:  Theatre Box Office (next door to the theatre)  Mon - Fri, 9am - 5pm Tel. 01383 740 384  Kingsgate Box Office (next to Debenhams)  Friday from 10.00am - 2.30pm  Saturday from 10.00am until 5.00pm Tel. 01383 733 666 Online Tickets (and out of office hours) www.ticketmaster.co.uk; tel 08444 99 99 90 - See more at: http://www.alhambradunfermline.com/listings_detail/445/#sthash.lnnH2PtC.dpuf