Socially distanced panto WILL take place at The Mayflower this year

Mayflower Theatre and pantomime producers Qdos Entertainment have today announced that a socially-distanced pantomime will be staged at the Southampton venue, with an all-new production of Sleeping Beauty, thanks to support from The National Lottery.

The panto will play from Saturday 19 December for a strictly limited 2 week run.

Comedian and former I'm A Celebrity winner Joe Pasquale will lead the cast in the role of Princess Beauty's best friend, Muddles whilst Birds of a Feather actress Lesley Joesph will play the evil Carabosse.

Joining Joe and Lesley as Queen Passionella will be legendary cabaret and female impersonator Ceri Dupree whilst musical theatre leading lady Sarah Earnshaw will play The Enchantress.

They will be joined by local actress Georgia Carr as Sleeping Beauty. Georgia began her performing career as part of Mayflower Theatre's Summer Youth Projects, and appeared in leading roles including Nancy in Oliver!.

NATIONAL LOTTERY SUPPORT

The production is able to go ahead thanks to the support of The National Lottery, which will give thousands of theatregoers, in Southampton and across the country, the chance to enjoy socially distanced pantomime this Christmas.

It will help generate vital income for the theatre ,restore jobs and provide much-needed cheer for pantomime lovers.

Michael Ockwell, Mayflower Theatre Chief Executive said,

"I am delighted that during these challenging times, we are able to bring much needed uplifting entertainment to Southampton with Sleeping Beauty. Thanks to our producers, Qdos Entertainment and The National Lottery, our audiences will be able to enjoy a safe socially distanced pantomime for the whole family this year. Audiences can look forward to something very special for the festive season. Christmas is ON in Southampton! "

The previously advertised production of Cinderella will be staged in 2021 and existing bookers have already been contacted with details of their new tickets.

TICKETS

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty go on sale on Thursday 29 October 10am from mayflower.org.uk or 02380 711811.

A number of free tickets will be made available to National Lottery players to thank them for making it possible for this Christmas tradition to go ahead.

SAFETY MEASURES

Mayflower Theatre have been granted the use of Society Of London Theatre & UK Theatre's 'See It Safely' mark. The mark certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of staff and audiences.

Audience members will be sat socially distanced from one another in the auditorium, with the number of seats reduced from over 2,200 to 940.

People will need to wear a face covering unless eating/drinking whilst on site.

Customers will enter and leave at staggered times and at different points of entry depending upon where they are sat. Refreshment bags can be pre-ordered when booking tickets to be left on their seats upon arrival.

Additional cleaning, reduced movement around the building and availability of hand sanitiser throughout the venue will also add to a safe experience to visit live theatre once again.

If customers have Covid-19 symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate they can return or exchange their tickets up to 24hrs before a performance. If issues arise within 24 hours of the show they can call or email the theatre before the start of the performance to talk about their booking.

Full details of safety measures can be found on the website: https://www.mayflower.org.uk/your-visit/faqs/