Sheffield Crucible panto hangs in the balance after Tier 3 decision
It could be moved online if restrictions aren't relaxed
Last updated 27th Nov 2020
Thousands of panto lovers in South Yorkshire are pinning their hopes on a relaxation of Tier Three restrictions in a fortnight as Sheffield's pantomime hangs in the balance.
The Pop Up Panto at the Crucible has been planned to replace the traditional all-singing all-dancing event at the Lyceum which can't go ahead because of the pandemic.
But the government's decision to place South Yorkshire in Tier Three next week throws doubt over whether it can go ahead as indoor performances are banned under the restrictions.
Theatre bosses still have hope though, as the first two week review of the rules is due on the same day as opening night.
Dan Bates is CEO at Sheffield Theatres which runs the Crucible and Lyceum:
"We are going to start rehearsing it and we are going to get ready. The crazy thing would be to cancel it and in two weeks' time to be told we could perform and we wouldn't be ready. We have to keep going - everyone at Sheffield Theatres wants to do this.
"We are quite a resilient bunch of people. Our staff are real creative problem solvers - they do it day-in, day-out in their jobs. And so this is just another thing to solve. What hasn't changed is their desire and their ability to deliver a panto this year."
The event, which will star legendary Sheffield panto dame Damian Williams, is due to play to a socially-distanced audience at the Crucible for a two and a half week run.
There'll only be around 250 people watching each night, around a quarter of the theatre's 980 seat capacity.
Sheffield Theatres is working on a contingency plan if South Yorkshire stays in Tier Three from 16th December, with hopes of filming the show for audiences to watch at home.
But Dan is still crossing his fingers to be able to go ahead as planned:
"At the theatre we've put a huge amount of Covid secure measures in place so we know our audience has felt quite safe when they come to the theatre.
"With the panto, 6,000 people have already booked to come and see the show so we know confidence is quite high. I really hope we can deliver a bit of festive fun for people this year.
"I read the script about two or three weeks ago and it took me about three days for the grin to come off my face, remembering what it'll be like with the real performers including Damian Williams doing his panto dame. It could still be a lot of fun."