Bucks theatre hoping to bring some escapism this Christmas
The Elgiva in Chesham have been working to get a panto on stage this year.
A theatre in Buckinghamshire are hoping for a Christmas miracle, so they can put on their panto.
The Elgiva in Chesham have been talking about panto season since the first lockdown and have put plenty of measures in place to make sure performances in December will be safe.
Actor Chris Casey (Pic: Left) told us it would mean so much to be able to perform again:
"Certainly this government is the sort of government that expects theatre to almost appear there by magic and certainly doesn't realise the amount of jobs on the line and the amount of work that goes into producing a production.
"So to be able to get back on the stage this year is a really important thing."
The Elgiva responded to the pandemic earlier in the year by changing this year's title from Snow White to The Sleeping Beauty, and has made additional changes to ensure it can go ahead with its traditional Christmas show - the only panto in the area, possibly in the county.
Theatre Manager David Cooper explained:
"We're having a shorter run and our cast are panto professionals who are used to handling whatever gets thrown at them, which for a pantomime can sometimes mean literally!
"They'll be rehearsing on Zoom, workshopping the script to ensure it's full of fun and laughter ready for our Christmas audience."
While the theatre is closed, staff are redesigning the backstage space to accommodate social distancing and ensuring its detailed safety plans are checked and double-checked ready for December.
The theatre, which is wholly owned and operated by Chesham Town Council, is producing its pantomime with New Pantomime Productions.
Manager David Cooper added:
"Christmas isn't Christmas without a panto - we are determined to bring some sparkle to audiences at Christmas, a chance to come together for something wonderful and to enjoy the magic that only comes from live theatre.
"It will be safe, it will be fun and it will be spectacular."
Chris told us coronavirus has to be acknowledged: added:
"What we're trying to do is provide live theatre and provide escapism from coronavirus as well.
"But it's something you can't ignore at the same time.
"So whether there is some sort of possibility in the humour to do some sort of socially-distanced slap-stick, I don't know.
"We'll find out in rehearsal hopefully."