Newcastle Theatre Royal have announced their plans for a socially distanced pantomime in a Facebook post, which has since been shared over a thousand times by excited panto fans.
In a lengthy message, the venue said that “we love pantomime and are thrilled that we will be presenting a socially distanced pantomime this December! Huge thanks to the National Lottery for making this possible up and down the country – this is great news and provides much needed cheer for panto lovers at Christmas. We’ve got very exciting plans for Newcastle – we’ll tell you more in a few days’ time so be patient!”
Though specific details have still not been announcee, it is anticipated that Chris Hayward will return to his role as Newcastle’s own popular pantomime dame for what will mark his fourteenth year at the theatre.
The pantomime is able to go ahead thanks to funding from the National Lottery, who are providing financial support to theatres by buying seats which need to remain empty to allow for social distancing.
Qdos Pantomimes – the UK’s biggest pantomime producer – has so far also confirmed shows for the London Palladium and Birmingham Hippodrome.
Words by Talya Honebeek.
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