An amateur dramatic group's production of a popular West End show has been axed after theatre bosses branded it racist.

Bexhill Light Operatic and Dramatic Society (Blods) were preparing to stage Show Boat at the De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill, in time for a summer performance but it was pulled after it was feared white actors 'blacking up' with stage make-up might be deemed offensive.

Pavilion project manager Alan Haydon said the matter remained a private one between the pavilion and Blods.

No one from Blods was available for comment.

The move has caused an outcry among the town's theatrical community.

David French, treasurer of the Bexhill Olde Tyme Music Hall Society, said political correctness had been taken too far.

He said: "It is rather a shame really. I think the whole thing has been taken to extremes on this occasion.

"I just wonder if black people are really offended or if it is just white people being oversensitive."

The group had decided to withdraw a production of the Black and White Minstrels for similar reasons.

However, West End actor Anton Stephans, 26, from Eastbourne, who has appeared in Smoky Joe's Cafe, Rent and the Lion King, said: "You have just got to be so careful.

"As a black actor I would be offended if my race was made to look ridiculous or stupid but it would have to depend on how it's done.

"Show Boat was put on in London recently and certain elements of it were axed in case it came across as racist.

"Obviously it would be better if black actors were involved and no one needed to wear dark make-up. In this day and age with race issues so delicate you do have to be careful."

The show, written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, tells the tale of life aboard a Mississippi showboat.

Mr Stephans said: "The composers were putting out quite a strong message about race and the way we treat people. For black people to be made to look ridiculous goes against that message."

The show will be replaced with a production of Half A Sixpence.

Mr Haydon said he feared the show would be seen as offensive by the public and racially contentious.