The Kings Theatre in Portsmouth are bringing pantomime to schools this Christmas

During panto season, a large quantity of regular bookings come from schools but due to current restrictions, they will sadly not be able to attend in person this year. However, The Kings Theatre in Portsmouth has devised a package that will enable their pantomime, Dick Whittington, to reach schools via streaming.

The production will be filmed live at the theatre and will be available to access from Monday 7 December, with unlimited views permitted within a five day period.

The price per school is £310, which can be booked directly with the Theatre’s streaming partners here.

Alternatively, bookings can be made directly with the Theatre itself by emailing panto@kings-southsea.com.

The package has already had 15 sign-ups and will act as a safe alternative, keeping the Christmas tradition alive. It is open for not only schools local to the theatre but also those countrywide.

Cumberland Infant School (Portsmouth) Headteacher, Becky Herbert, said: “What a fantastic idea from the Kings Theatre. This year so many schools are unable to attend in person and being able to show the stream means that our pupils don’t miss out on the magic of panto. The freedom to show it in individual classes so that we can keep everyone secure in their bubbles is an added bonus.”

Kings Theatre CEO, Paul Woolf, added: “We are so pleased to be able to offer this package to schools. It's been a tough year for everyone and therefore it’s so important to be able to provide entertainment and make our show accessible to all. We don’t want anyone to miss out – particularly for those schools who visit us every panto season.”

The pantomime will star X Factor finalist and Same Difference star Sean Smith, along with a host of local West End talent.

Dick Whittington will run from 28 November – 31 December 2020 with in-person tickets available here.