Norwich Theatre Royal apologises over wrongly using British Red Cross emblem Published duration 26 November 2015

image caption Nurse Dorothy Dumpling's outfit is set for a redesign

A theatre has apologised for its "illegal" use of the British Red Cross emblem on a pantomime dame's costume.

Norwich's Theatre Royal said sorry after marketing material showed Richard Gauntlett's Nurse Dorothy Dumpling outfit featuring several red crosses.

But only the Red Cross is allowed to use the emblem, with unauthorised use a potential criminal offence under the Geneva Conventions Act 1857.

The theatre said it would change the costume.

image caption Use of the Red Cross was restricted by law, said the theatre

Peter Wilson, chief executive of Norwich Theatre Royal, said: "The emblem is a special protective symbol whose use is restricted by law.

"Norwich Theatre Royal wishes to apologise for its unauthorised use in the costume of the pantomime dame in this production of Snow White."

The theatre said blue crosses would instead be used, with alternative marketing material sent out.

image copyright Theatre Royal image caption The theatre said the costume would be amended to feature blue crosses