Pantomime returns to the Wyre Forest this Christmas season thanks to government funding

Panto will be returning to Kidderminster Town Hall this year with a socially distanced production of Aladdin.

The team behind last year’s successful debut production of Cinderella are also back, albeit with a slightly smaller cast and crew, in order to comply with government regulations. The company aims to employ actors and creatives from the West Midlands region, creating 20 temporary job opportunities.

Town Hall Manager, Matt Smith, said: “Thanks to a successful bid and award from the Government's £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund (CRF), Kidderminster Town Hall can develop a Covid secure programme of events over the next six months. This will include this year’s pantomime which will be co-produced with Michael Neri Theatrical. 

“We are also working on a business plan for the future development of the Town Hall and an annual pantomime has an important part to play. We are delighted to be working with Michael and his team again and I’m sure it will be as popular and successful as last year’s production.”

Producer and Director of Aladdin, Michael Neri, added: “I am beyond excited to be bringing even just a small amount of theatricality to the Wyre Forest area. We had amazing feedback from our debut production last year so I hope we can bring all the fun and laughter again and give some joy in what has proved to be a very challenging year for all.

“Our ongoing partnership with Kidderminster Town Hall has been the saving grace of this year’s production and it’s a privilege to have support from the team. We have given much consideration to the social distancing we need to put in place and I am confident we will deliver a safe experience for all.”

Aladdin will run at Kidderminster Town Hall from 7-11 December 2020. Tickets can be booked here.