Hopes Lincolnshire pantomimes will help theatres recover from Covid
For many the shows are the most profitable performances of the year
We're being told pantomimes could make or break theatres across Lincolnshire.
For many, the shows are the most profitable.
Last year they had to be axed because of the pandemic.
But now Christmas performances are starting to take place across the county.
Natalie Hayes-Cowley is behind Lincoln New Theatre Royal's performance.
"I don't think we can recoup, I think that's something that's going to take time.
"I lost not just our pantomimes, I lost two variety shows, our comedy nights, our stage school performances and 16 months worth of touring shows."
Zoe Hanna May is Belle, she said lockdown has been very difficult.
"It's been really tough. There have been moments where I've had to either get other work or think about retraining.
"I'm so glad that we didn't because there's a group of people here who are amazing at what they do and we are back together doing what we love.
"It was worth the hardship to get to where we are now."
Scunthorpe's Jake Quickenden plays Flash Hugo.
"Panto gets a bit of a stick from a lot of people, but it's very good and it's very hard work over Christmas. People think it's quite easy but it's not, it's blooming hard.
"The talent that you actually get on the stage at panto is unbelieve, so I love pantos."