Clock ticking to make decision on 2020 pantomimes

The UK’s leading pantomime producer is set to make a decision on whether its Christmas shows can proceed this year by 3 August.

QDOS have assigned this deadline for themselves due to the government’s ongoing lack of clarity over the return of live performances. The decision is not one that will be taken lightly as it will affect its 34 pantomime productions countrywide.

This week, Norwich Theatre Royal cancelled its pantomime citing that it is “too great” a risk along with Buxton, Welwyn Garden City and Leicester Curve who have also pulled their Christmas shows for the 2020 festive season.

Pantos are economically vital to a theatre’s revenue stream and when speaking to BBC News, QDOS Managing Director Michael Harrison said that without pantomime, there would potentially be “a lot of redundancies” in regional theatres. He also said that their Christmas shows will only be able to go ahead if social distancing is abolished.

On the flip side, The Elgiva Theatre in Chesham believes it has halved the problem by changing its pantomime from Snow White to Sleeping Beauty this year. This will reduce the number of performers backstage and will ensure that they can be appropriately socially distanced.

Stay hopeful Besties, there is still time yet.