An Irish dance company's tour of New Zealand has been thrown into chaos after their tour bus was broken into and all of their costumes stolen.
Dublin-based dance company Rhythms of Ireland were staying at the Abbey Motel in Christchurch after a performance at the Isaac Theatre Royal on Saturday night.
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While the troupe was sleeping, $30,000 worth of gear including all of the dancers' costumes, specialist tap shoes and traditional Irish instruments were taken from the bus.
"These items are of NO use to anybody else and have put our entire production in jeopardy," the group posted on their Facebook page.
Police are investigating but say there is no CCTV footage from the motel and the public is being encouraged to report any information they may have.
In good news, the company's scheduled performance in Oamaru on Sunday night, as well as the rest of the tour, will still go ahead as planned after some help from generous Christchurch locals.
The O'Neil School of Irish Dance has lent the show's dancers some of their costumes and shoes while Victoria Wardrobe, a retailer in Oamaru, will stay open this Easter Sunday to dress the six male dancers.
A reward is being offered to anyone who can locate the costumes and instruments. They are advised to contact tour manager David Delaney on 027 269 5143 or notify Christchurch Central Police on: 03-363-7400
Newshub.
