Imperial Ice Stars co-producer James Cundall said he was ''gutted'' to have been let down by the shipping company.
''We are letting down so many theatre-goers in Dunedin and Christchurch who had bought tickets for Sleeping Beauty on Ice.
''We have wanted to bring shows to the South Island for a long time now, returning to Christchurch after the earthquakes and bringing our show to Dunedin for the first time.
''To be thwarted by logistics that are beyond our control is both devastating and really frustrating.''
Containers carrying the set, staging, ice rink, sound and light equipment were shipped from London on April 27 and reached the Colombian port of Cartagena on May 12.
The shipping containers were due to arrive in Auckland on June 2, in time for the opening of the show in Dunedin on June 11, he said.
''However, due to congestion at Cartagena, the ship that was to have picked up the containers was not able to stop as planned, causing extensive disruption to cargoes destined for Australia and New Zealand.''
The show had toured in 22 countries across five continents for more than 10 years.
''We have never had this happen to us before.
''It goes without saying that we will be seeking a full explanation from the shipping company.''
The shipping containers left Cartagena on Thursday and were due to arrive into Auckland on June 17, he said.
''We are greatly relieved that we can perform our Auckland and Wellington seasons.
''We apologise profusely to all who were looking forward to seeing us in Dunedin and Christchurch and will, of course, be refunding all ticket sales.
''We will do our best to bring The Imperial Ice Stars to the South Island as soon as we can reschedule a season.''
Southern Clams operation manager Dave Redshaw said the Dunedin seafood harvesting company had made four tonnes of ice for the Dunedin shows between June 11 and 14.
The production company called yesterday and cancelled the ice order.
The ice was available for anyone to buy at a ''special rate'' of $100 a tonne.
Regent Theatre general manager Sarah Anderson said she was disappointed the Dunedin show was cancelled.
''But it is something that is completely out of our control.''
Ms Anderson said she was confident the theatre would work with the production company on future tours.
''We look forward to being able to do that in the not too distant future.''
To obtain a refund call the theatre on (03) 477 8597 or visit the theatre box office.
