YOUNG thespians have been left bitterly disappointed after Ringwood School was forced to postpone its production of Starlight Express after gales wrecked the custom made theatre.

The sell-out production was due to have been staged at the school this week but has been postponed until the summer after Storm Imogen battered the New Forest on Sunday night.

Staff and students had spent weeks building the 360-seat theatre in the school grounds to meet the demand as the school production's surge in popularity.

But winds ripped through the marquee, damaging the structure and the show was called off.

People who had been planning to attend Starlight Express took to social media to voice their disappointment.

Bransgore School tweeted: “Trip to Starlight Express at Ringwood tomorrow cancelled – high winds damaged tent.

“So sad for all at the school who worked so hard.”

Hundreds of homes in the New Forest were left without power after Storm Imogen brought heavy rain and winds of up to 96 miles an hour to parts of Hampshire and Dorset.

Southern Electric confirmed that 34 residents in Ringwood and Somerley were affected.

The Forestry Commission closed several of its Inclosures due to dangers from strong winds as trees fell across the county on Sunday night and Monday.

Fire crews rescued a man from his car after a tree came down across a road in the New Forest as the storm wreaked havoc.

The Met Office issued an amber weather warning, stating: "Please be prepared for disruption to travel as well as possible damage to trees and structures, and interruption of power supplies."