By Anais Brady
St Helens Theatre Royal have announced that their 2020 Christmas Pantomime has changed, but that a show will go ahead.
Beauty And The Beast will be at the St Helens Theatre Royal from Saturday 5th December 2020 – Sunday 3rd January 2021.
Regal Entertainments have looked at alternative options for the festive season and want to ensure that they can continue to provide top entertainment to its community and regular Christmas audiences.
Due to government restrictions, pantomime producers Regal Entertainments have made the difficult decision to change this year’s expected Christmas production from Cinderella to Beauty and the Beast.
Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager at St Helens Theatre Royal said:
“We have to be guided by the government’s rules at this time and we can’t take the financial risk if we have to wait till November for a decision on whether we move away from socially distant shows, so changes have to be made.”
Cinderella was due to be staged at the St Helens Theatre Royal, with Linda Robson in the lead role.
However, the show is not currently not viable as it is one of the biggest pantomimes to produce and carries many additional costs.
The new show, Beauty and the Beast, will be fully adhering to social distancing measures, in order to keep the audience, staff, and the cast safe.
Changes include reduced capacity in the auditorium, temperature checks, wearing of face masks, deep cleaning and pre-order of drinks and confectionary.
However, Chantelle Nolan highlighted the enjoyable experience that will remain at St Helens Theatre Royal this Christmas. She said:
“Beauty And The Beast has always been a firm St Helens favourite and we will ensure it’s a fantastic, fully enjoyable, and a safe festive experience that the whole family can enjoy.
I would also like to personally take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their continued support and loyalty through these very difficult times.”
Tickets will be on general sale soon.
Ticket holders of Cinderella are encouraged to stay patient as they will be contacted first and directly with their options.
