Princess Theatre plans for Covid-safe panto in Hunstanton

Many shows have already been called off because of coronavirus, but the producer of one West Norfolk panto says the art is needed now more than ever.

The Princess Theatre in Hunstanton is gearing up for a two-week run of Mother Goose, from December 19 to January 1.

Members of the cast have been in the town to promote the show, which is thought to be the only theatre-hosted panto to be taking place in Norfolk this year.

And, with a range of measures in place to make the show as safe as possible, producer and director Tom Rolfe is thrilled to be coming back after directing last year’s panto, Dick Whittington.

He said: “The Princess is such a perfect place for pantomime. Its intimate, warm and welcoming auditorium provides the perfect platform for families to meet up and ʻwrap up the yearʼ.

“After what families have gone through this year I feel pantomime will be needed now more than ever and Iʼm so proud that we have managed to find a way to do this as safely as possible.

“Thereʼs no better tonic than laughter and weʼre going to make sure it is in good supply at the Princess Theatre, Hunstanton this December.”

The panto will feature popular performers from previous years including Mervyn Francis as Mother Goose, Sweet and Simple as Madam Vanity and Oddjob, Hannah Kiss as Alice and Tom Shiels as Billy Goose.

Performances will last for 80 minutes, with no interval, and audience members will be seated in a socially distanced manner. Face masks will also be required, except for children aged under 11 and people who are exempt, while one-way systems will be in place and hand sanitiser will also be available.

Tickets are available now online via https://princesshunstanton.co.uk. The theatre’s box office is currently open on show days only.