London’s National Theatre is set to reopen next month with a pantomime production. Only the second pantomime in the National Theatre’s history, Dick Whittington will be staged in a remodelled, socially-distanced way.
Originally written by Cariad Lloyd and Jude Christian, this revamped version will be directed by Ned Bennett in South Bank’s Olivier theatre. The show will explore “ideas of community and togetherness which feel even more prescient in 2020,” according to the National Theatre.
The news is sure to be cheer-worthy for pantomime lovers, after shows across the world have been cancelled due to the pandemic. Other pantomimes, such as Eden Court’s performance of Cinderella, have had to be postponed until audiences are safely able to return to theatres in large numbers.
The reopening of theatres, updated pantomime productions and socially-distanced audiences are just one part of the ‘new normal’ within the arts and media sector.
Earlier this month, the culture secretary voiced his hopes that a new ‘rapid’ COVID-19 tests could help to fill theatres again by providing on-the-spot results, potentially within 15 minutes.
Words by Meghna Amin.
Support The Indiependent
We’re trying to raise £200 a month to help cover our operational costs. This includes our ‘Writer of the Month’ awards, where we recognise the amazing work produced by our contributor team. If you’ve enjoyed reading our site, we’d really appreciate it if you could donate to The Indiependent. Whether you can give £1 or £10, you’d be making a huge difference to our small team.