Panto season on hold as covid halts Grand Opera House re-opening
Iconic theatre now looking to March 2021 instead of November
The ongoing covid crisis has put paid to the Belfast's Grand Opera House re-opening in time for pantomime season.
The initial plan was to be back for late November but Opera House chiefs say this is no longer possible.
The iconic building had closed in January for major restoration works but was then hit by the coronavirus pandemic and then lockdown.
Now it will not be open again until March next year.
Ian Wilson, Chief Executive of the Grand Opera House said it was "hugely disappointing" but a decision that had to be made.
“Covid-19 has had a major detrimental impact on all aspects of life, and the arts sector has not escaped," he said.
"The impact of the lockdown and ongoing social distancing measures has significantly delayed our reopening plans and impacted on our initial programming schedule.
"Having to postpone the pantomime and these other popular shows is hugely disappointing for all concerned and presents a significant blow to the Theatre’s finances at an already challenging time.
"I am, however, pleased that we have been able to reschedule the shows into 2021 and 2022 rather than lose them altogether."
This means that the pantomime, ‘Goldilocks and the Three Bears’, will not go ahead as planned in November 2020. Instead, it moves to November 2021.
Other shows directly impacted are ‘Mamma Mia!’ which has moved to November 2022 and Scottish Ballet's production of 'The Nutcracker' which has been rescheduled to February 2022.
Customers who have booked tickets for these shows will now be contacted by the box office and offered the opportunity to move their booking or receive a full refund.
Mr Wilson added: "“While there are still many uncertainties, we believe we are being prudent in our planning for the future to not only survive this hugely difficult period but to ensure that we emerge strongly from it.
"After months of detailed financial management and scenario planning we, like other colleagues across the sector, have had to make some assumptions, particularly that by spring 2021, we will not have the same constraints that come with current social distancing guidelines.
“Not surprisingly, we are very keen to open as soon as possible to maximise the investment made in the restoration of this unique and beautiful theatre, and our simple message to customers, and those we engage with through our creative learning initiatives, is that we will do so as soon as it is both safe and viable to do so.”