THE Palace Theatre pantomime has fallen victim to the Covid-19 pandemic and has been postponed until 2021.
The final blow was the Government’s recent announcement that no further confirmation regarding the relaxation of social distancing for indoor performances will be given until November at the earliest.
As a result the Palace Theatre, Rubicon Leisure, Redditch Borough Council and Paul Holman Associates have made the decision to postpone the annual production for the first time in the venue’s history.
Pantomime producer Paul Holman said: “It is with great sadness that we have come to the unprecedented conclusion that we have no other choice but to postpone this year’s production of Jack and the Beanstalk with no further government guidance on social distancing expected until at least November.
“Even if we were given the go-ahead at that time, it would sadly be too late to put together a production on the scale that we would want to present.
“First and foremost this year we want to make sure that our loyal audiences, cast, crew and theatre staff are all safe.
“But, we will be back next year, bigger and better than ever before uniting family and friends once more with a long-awaited dose of fun, laughter and escapism.”
Next years production will continue to be headlined by Mark Read from hit boyband A1 in the title role of Jack. He will be joined by West End star; and Redditch’s favourite Dame Simon Howe, who returns to Redditch Palace Theatre for a third time to play Dame Trott.
Last year’s production of Cinderella played to more than 18,000 people and accounted for over 28 per cent of the venue’s annual revenue.
The cancellation of this year’s pantomime is not only a major financial loss to the venue but also to Rubicon Leisure which is seeing a £750,000 shortfall in its finances due to the impact of coronavirus.
Theatre manager Tim Mackrill said: Although we are disappointed we can’t bring you Jack and the Beanstalk this year, we are looking forward to working with Paul Holman Associates to bring Redditch a bigger and better Panto for the 2021 Christmas season.”
Ticket holders who have already purchased tickets for this year’s performance will be moved to next year’s at the current prices and be transferred to the same day booked for this year.
For refunds or to request a new date, call 01527 65203 on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 9.30am to 4pm
