Half-term production frozen out by Disney for using its songs

A children's show had to be cancelled after Disney complained about it using its music.

‘Freezing – An Icy Adventure’ was due to take to the stage of the Heywood Civic Centre in Rochdale,as a special half-term treat for youngsters.

The adaptation of the hit film Frozen was set to feature an array of songs from the popular movie including Let it Go, Love is an Open Door, and Do you want to Build a Snowman?, as well as dancing, games and ‘frosty fun’.

But directors had to pull the plug on the performance after Disney’s legal bosses got in touch to say they didn’t have permission to use the songs.

Carl Tebbutt, who was publicising the show, said the group had thought it was covered by Performing Rights Society for Music, which ‘promotes and protects’ the value of copyright.

It licenses organisations to play and perform copyright music on behalf of members and those of overseas societies, and also distributes royalties.He said that according to Disney, none of its songs are covered by PRS and lawyers have refused to give them a temporary licence to use them.Carl said it’s regrettable they’ve had to cancel.

He said: