Broadway star tweets she is 'completely devastated' after British shows called off at last minute

Tony-award winner Kristin Chenoweth has been forced to cancel her UK tour three days before her first performance on account of "unforeseen circumstances".

The American actor, who originated the role of Glinda in the Broadway musical Wicked, was due to play four gigs in the UK from 11 March, but on 8 March, producers announced that the shows had been cancelled.

According to Broadway World, the unforeseen circumstances referred to in Spekulation Entertainment's statement are the company's financial troubles. The theatre website quoted a source as saying: "Due to lack of funding from Spekulation Entertainment they have cancelled Kristin's sold-out tour." The production company had been keen to stress that the problem was at their end, rather than down to the performer herself.

However, while Spekulation claimed that Chenoweth was to perform in front of "sold-out audiences", the Guardian understands that, at the time of cancellation, tickets were available through online vendors with a 55% discount – though not for the London date at the Coliseum.

Chenoweth, best known for her Emmy-nominated guest performances in the US television series Glee, took to Twitter to express her disappointment, posting a photo of her packed suitcase. "Was ready to go. And now completely devastated. I am Sorry to my uk [sic] fans. Not a good day. A horrible day," she tweeted.

She later gave her version of events on Twitter: "Here's why," she continued, "no tickets, no work permits and nothing done. That's why."

Chenoweth was due to perform a range of musical genres, including several songs that she had written herself, at four concerts in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff. Ticket holders are advised to contact their point of purchase to receive a full refund.