Except over the Covid pandemic, the touring theatre company has performed in the island twice-a-year since 1994.
Since then the island has become a ‘second home’ to founders Elli Mackenzie and her husband Andy Barlow, Mrs Mackenzie said.
Oddsocks’ open-air productions at Castle Cornet in summer and winter St James showings are staple features of the island’s events calendar.
‘Unfortunately we were told there isn’t the funding,’ Mrs Mackenzie said.
‘Guernsey Museums and Heritage said it just can’t happen, and there was a similar feeling from St James, who couldn’t fit us in.’
Full provisional tour dates have just been announced.
‘But, let’s be honest, everything is up in the air these days. In terms of finance, we have taken a huge hit. Indeed, so have all the other arts and it appears Guernsey has too.
‘With fingers crossed we’ll come back again soon.’
Oddsocks hopes to return to Sark again, having first performed there at Le Seigneurie’s then-new amphitheatre in 2018, and Jersey tickets for August are on sale soon.
St James executive director Jon Bisson said: ‘It’s a shame, but due to the ongoing situation with Covid it is difficult for us to book UK acts with confidence at this time.
‘Oddsocks were also a considerable financial commitment at a time where purse strings are tight.’
Head of Heritage Services Helen Glencross said Oddsocks would be booked at least six months in advance, usually before Christmas, with booking fees and travel paid.
‘But due to the uncertainty caused by Covid we did not do so at the end of 2020.
‘We last communicated with Oddsocks in January to explain our position.’
The theatre group would mean the States having to make a commitment of some £35,000.
‘Given the uncertainties surrounding our operating season, as a result of the pandemic, we considered that it would not be appropriate to take on such a financial commitment this year,’ said Mrs Glencross.
‘We last hosted Oddsocks in 2019 and only managed to break even.
‘We did not think it would be prudent to take the risk this year but will definitely consider working with Oddsocks again in the future.’
Other off-island acts are not currently expected this year.
‘However, we are planning to host Castle Nights, Outdoor Cinema and our own Museum events as usual so there will be lots of fantastic entertainment for islanders to enjoy.’
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