Skegness panto is saved! Oh yes it is....

Just weeks after many theatres across the country cancelled their pantomimes due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions - including the resort's Embassy Theatre - a new, 'safe' venue has been found in the town.

Social distancing restrictions had also meant it was impossible for Gary Star's Neverland Theatre to re-open to host the panto.

However, Gary Starr Pantomimes is now bringing a full-scale pantomime production of Peter Pan to the Richmond Holiday Centre, staged within current Covid-19 guidelines and with sponsorship by the Hildreds Shopping Centre.

"Come see the most magical of pantomimes in our brand-new venue for 2020, located on Richmond Holiday Centre," invites Gary. "This stunning venue allows us to provide a full scale pantomime in the comfort of a large socially distanced environment, with the options of theatre style seating or discounted group tables."

All seating will be socially distanced allowing the audience to enjoy the show safely and comfortably.

There will also be a fully licensed bar, with refreshments served throughout the performance and basket meal food available in the interval.

As well as providing much-needed laughter and fun for the community and visitors, Peter Pan will also raise money for charity. It is the only show which has a royalty agreement in perpetuity with Great Ormond Street Hospital, which means five per cent of ticket sales goes to the charity to help keep the hospital running.

"With most companies cancelling this year, the hospital will be very hard hit, so with that in mind we decided we would perform the most magical of shows whilst raising money for this incredible charity," explained Gary.

The panto will also help keep theatre alive in the town.

"From the start of lockdown, we have been passionate about promoting positivity and finding a safe way to keep pantomime alive this Christmas," said Gary.

"As a pantomime production company and independent theatre owner, we have striven to keep the arts alive.

"Throughout August, we produced and performed Covid safe pantomimes and even performed in the Richmond to full socially distanced audiences.

"We are confident our pantomimes this Christmas will bring the laughter and magic to Skegness."

It has been disappointing after such a good response to ann appeal for seating sponsors at the refurbished Neverland Theatre in Prince George Street, Gary had been unable to re-open for the panto.

"Theatre is facing an unprecedented crisis with many forced to close," he said.

"With social distancing in place we are unable to reopen Neverland as we’d only able to seat 12 people. However, at the Richmond we can seat tabled 300 people per show."

The event will be run in line with current government guidelines.and social distancing at the venue will be put in place as required. The pantomime will also ensure interaction is based on current guidelines.

BOOKING DETAILS

Table Booking - The table booking is for a select amount of seats only - currently either four or six. Due to social distancing, seating cannot be added. However, more than one table can be booked next to each other as required.

The front two rows are seats only and will be socially distanced individual groups.

Bar and basket meals will be available at each performance with an extended interval to allow for food and drink.

There is additionally limited space to eat in the restaurant prior to the show and must be reserved in advance.

Digital tickets can also be booked online. For more details visit www.richmondpanto.co.uk