The states of North Carolina and Mississippi are facing their most serious threat since introducing anti-LGBT legislation – a lack of musical theatre.

The owners of the rights to West Side Story announced today that it would not issue licences in the two states for the musical to be performed.

Music Theatre International (MTI), made the announcement that it was withholding the licences while the anti-LGBT laws were in place.

A statement reads: “MTI serves as an agent for the rightsholders whose shows we represent. The rightsholders of this show have made their intentions clear and MTI will not issue new licenses for this show within North Carolina or Mississippi until we receive new instructions.”

Cirque du Soleil earlier this month cancelled gigs in North Carolina over the state’s new anti-LGBT law.

Hundreds of business leaders have urged the repeal of North Carolina’s HB2, and multiple celebrities have pulled out of appearances, including Ringo Starr and, Bruce Springsteen.

Springsteen was even accused of using “bully tactics” for cancelling the concert by one of the state’s Representatives.

But dozens of celebrities and hundreds of fans came to the defence of Springsteen, commending him for taking a stand.

Others such as Mumford and Sons and Cyndi Lauper have said they will appear but that they will donate their profits to LGBT rights organisations.

Mississippi also faces similar threats as Bryan Adams and Sharon Stone have pulled out of appearances there.