Chris Cullen was told after his 1pm show yesterday that he would not be able to perform again that afternoon, and that his Friday performance would have to be held outside Boots, rather than at the other end of the mall, near BHS.

The 41-year-old puppeteer, who performed the show as part of the Banana Brain Funshow, said he was shocked.

He said: "I had just finished a show when I was told I had to pack away. I don't think it's the management's fault.

"Some people were really, really upset there wouldn't be another show. I've been coming here on and off for 15 years and this has never happened before.

"My amplifier was only on level one; it was barely audible for the children so I couldn't have been any quieter."

But Michelle Hollis, manager of Morelli's Cappuccino, which overlooked the show, said she had received four complaints from customers and had had to refund some diners who claimed they had not been able to enjoy their meals.

Sheridan New, manager of the shopping centre, added: "In the Grosvenor Centre we are always looking for new and traditional ways to entertain our customers.

"But we have to be mindful that many of our customers are happy to enjoy themselves in different ways, that therefore sometimes unfortunately we have to take steps to maximise entertainment for many and minimise disruption for some."