Rapunzel returns to Weymouth Pavilion this summer
If you missed the Christmas panto this year because of coronavirus, we have some good news
The show will go on again this summer as Rapunzel returns to Weymouth Pavilion after it’s Christmas run at the theatre was cut short by coronavirus restrictions.
Actors and dancers found out mid-performance that Dorset would be entering Tier 3 restrictions during their matinee show December 30th – meaning it would be their last.
But, the show returns for another run in June as restrictions are set to ease now that case rates are shrinking.
It’s now being announced the show will resume on 4th – 6th June this year.
Lee Redwood, Writer, Director & Dame told Greatest Hits Radio Dorset:
“We were absolutely devastated to have to cut the run of Rapunzel short over Christmas – we were made aware of Tier 3 restrictions coming into force during the matinee on 30th December…having to continue the show knowing that very evening’s performance would be our last was hugely emotional for everyone involved in the production. However, with lockdown hopefully ‘behind us’, we cannot wait to bring the magic back to life at the Weymouth Pavilion this June and carry on where we left off in December!”
The scenery, costumes and props were left in situ at the venue in the hope that relaxed restrictions may permit the show to reopen at a later date.
To ensure government guidelines are adhered to, the audience will watch the show from socially distanced seats, allowing family groups to sit together whilst maintaining a safe distance from other audience members, and additional safety measures (such as temperature checking and hand sanitiser stations) will be implemented throughout the venue.
The storyline
Rapunzel is looking forward to celebrating her 18th Birthday with a huge party at the palace, but the evil witch, Gothel, has other ideas, along with her scheming wizardly brother, Alphonso. They plot to kidnap the birthday girl and lock her away in a secret tower in a bid to gain eternal youth and power from Rapunzel’s magical hair. In a trance and with no memory of her real family, Rapunzel is doomed to spend the rest of her life in the tower – can her determination and a little help from her friends in the palace save the Princess and give her a ‘Happy Ever After’?
Amy Robinson, from the Marketing Department at Weymouth Pavilion said:
"We are delighted to welcome the community back to Weymouth Pavilion this June half term to complete our run of Rapunzel! The cast, crew and audience were understandably devastated when we had to cut Rapunzel short back in December, but these final performances will close the show with a bang and the energy and passion will be stronger than ever. Despite the easing of restrictions, we're not letting our guard down. Our audience safety is paramount to us, and we have put everything in place for the safety and comfort of our audience."
There will be 6 performances of Rapunzel from 4th – 6th June 2021, including 3 ‘Grown-Ups Only’ performances.
Existing ticketholders for postponed performances who chose to keep hold of their tickets instead of receiving a refund have been automatically transferred to a new date in June, unless contacted by the Pavilion to be advised otherwise.