The director of a theatre company has said it will take months and tens of thousands of pounds to fully recover after their set van was stolen.

It is the second time The Lord Chamberlain's Men (TLCM) have had a van nicked since July last year.

Director of TLCM, Peter Stickney, said the white Mercedes van was stolen in Theadore Road, Hither Green on Monday, May 21.

The all-male open air touring theatre company has urged anyone who sees the costumes, props and set equipment to get in touch.

Mr Stickney told News Shopper: “It is absolutely devastating and so upsetting. It was our most spectacular show yet and this is a huge blow.

“We are not back to square one it is much further back than that.

“The things inside the van have no value whatsoever to anyone else. If they are found we can reuse them.”

The actors will perform William Shakespeare’s The Tempest tonight at the Brighton Festival after various people offered to help them with the set and costumes.

It is an 18 week tour and the group will perform in 71 different venues.

“We have no choice but to keep going,” Mr Stickney said. “I hope the burglars dumped the stuff in south east London and someone sees something.

“If anyone does please get in touch.”

Police have been informed about the stolen van but have issued no updates at this stage.