An Israeli dance company which has performed all over the world has had its short season in London cancelled because of poor ticket sales.

The Mayumana Dance Company was due to perform its show Currents at the Hackney Empire from April 18 to May 7.

But, according to Clarie Middleton, the theatre's chief executive, it was pulled because “the piece just did not ignite the public imagination in the way we had expected”, despite an "extensive marketing and press campaign". 

She said it was “with huge regret” the theatre had taken a business decision to cancel the season “to avoid untenable financial losses for our organisation, which is also a charity in receipt of public funds”.

Ms Middleton added that the theatre had been “admirers of Mayumana’s work since 2011 and have been trying to bring them to Hackney Empire for a number of years. They are a very special and exciting company”.

Erez Bek, Mayumana's general manager, said he was “very disappointed” at the decision. It would have been the company's first appearance in the UK.

Currents is a modern work which focuses on the rivalry between the early developers of electricity, Thomas Edison and Nicholas Tesla. It features nine dancers and high-tech visual effects.

Disappointed fans of Mayumana may still see the company perform in London as it has been invited to participate in the “London-Tel Aviv” festival in September.