Fundraising actors have been left gutted by the theft of a camcorder which contained the only video of their pantomime.

Parishioners of St Mary’s Church, East Barnet, put on a performance of Jack and the Beanstalk in February.

All four performances were sold out and £6,000 was raised to help with the building of a new church hall.

One East Barnet resident filmed the pantomime on his camcorder so that each of the 21 actors could have a copy.

However, ten days ago this man’s home was burgled and the camcorder was stolen.

It contained the only copy of the video.

Mike Pearce, editor of a church newspaper in East Barnet, who acted in the performance, said: “The pantomime was really terrific, it went down really well and included people aged eight to 80.

“I was absolutely sickened when I heard of the theft because we did enjoy doing it so much.

“Everybody was really upset because it would have been great to do an evening in the pub and show it.”

Mr Pearce, 72, is hoping that a small chance remains that the video will be found and returned to them.

He said: “We are absolutely gutted about losing it. There must be a small chance that it will be found.”

Barnet Police are still investigating the burglary and no arrests have yet been made.