York Theatre Royal is well known for its Christmas pantomimes, but like all others, because of the pandemic, many playhouses have been left with no option but to cancel their pantomimes. Even our own from the Rowntree Players has had to be rescheduled for 2021.

However, as the saying goes, the show must go on, and the Theatre Royal has come up with an alternative proposal: a travelling panto.

A troupe of actors will instead, visit all 21 wards in York, presenting a pop-up show in the city's communical halls, social clubs and sports centres. This way, the troupe will be able to entertain smaller groups of local audiences in a Covid-secure environment. 

Audiences will be able to choose from three pantos: Jack and the Beanstalk, Aladdin and Dick Whittington, offering a choose-your-own pantomime programme as a response to the current situation. 

The company are due to hit the road in December, with further details to be revealled. 

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Like all industries, the coronavirus has decimated the theatre's activities with all scheduled events cancelled because of the forced closure, but as the old saying goes, the show must go on. Our team of volunteers have been working tirelessly to keep the community spirit of the theatre going through our Virtual Theatre listings, Weekly News updates and Fundraising Campaigns. Support the theatre and read what you can do to help in these difficult times. 

Original article posted on The Guardian | Chris Wiegand | 14th September

Photograph: Anthony Robling