PANTO dame Berwick Kaler will not perform at all in York Theatre Royal's big summer production of The Railway Children, despite now being well enough to take part.

The theatre wants to ensure he makes a full recovery from a back injury and no risks are taken with his health as he prepares for this year’s Christmas pantomime.

It says there would also have been 'logistical issues' with bringing Berwick at this late stage into the Railway Children, which is attracting huge audiences at the National Railway Museum.

Berwick originally pulled out from playing The Old Gentleman as a temporary measure, with Michael Lambourne stepping into the role at the last minute, but he was expected to return part way through.

He wanted the role to get a feel for the NRM stage ahead of his 37th pantomime, Dick Whittington, which will be performed there this winter.

The theatre's artistic director, Damian Cruden, said yesterday that despite still being in some pain, Berwick was now able to get around much better and was well enough to perform.

"He could have returned to the show earlier this week and we did discuss this with him," he said.

"However, we would have had great logistical issues to bring him into the show at this late stage, as our performance schedule is very busy and the health and safety issues associated with this production mean we cannot cut corners.

"A full technical rehearsal would have been required to ensure the smooth and safe running of the show. We also felt it was important to ensure he made a full recovery and that no risks be taken with his health with regards to this year’s pantomime.”

A theatre spokesman said Michael Lambourne would continue to play the part of the Old Gentleman for the remainder of the run, which finishes on September 5. "We would like to thank Michael for stepping in and giving such a great performance," he said.

"Berwick is now busy concentrating on getting this year’s panto ready for its one-off move to The Signal Box Theatre. He has been working in the space with Damian and the design team to get a feel for the venue and plan how Dick Whittington (and his meerkat) will work in this exciting new space.

"Berwick and the team recently met with the new designer Mark Walters who presented the set design models – which are spectacular. Berwick has never missed a performance of our pantomime and assures us he never will."