Mayflower's 'socially distanced panto' CANCELLED
The Southampton venue has called off its run of Sleeping Beauty
Last updated 22nd Dec 2020
The Mayflower had been working hard to get theatre-goers back in for the Christmas season, with Covid-secure measures in place.
They'd started performances of Sleeping Beauty on Saturday (19th December), but called off yesterday's (Monday 21st December) due to 'indisposition of cast members'.
It's been announced this morning (Tuesday 22nd December) that the whole run is being called off.
The panto starred Joe Pasquale and Lesley Joseph, supported by Ceri Dupree and Sarah Earnshaw.
This was also a 'back-up' pantomime after the Mayflower's planned production of Cinderella was postponed to 2021 earlier this yearm due to Covid restrictions.
Chief Executive of the Mayflower, Michael Ockwell, says they're 'devastated' by having to shut their doors again, but think it's the right thing to do':
"Unfortunately we've had a couple of members of the cast who have been indisposed - that has meant that therefore we can't do the four week socially distanced show. But also, with the raising rates of coronavirus in the South, we felt that the most sensible way now is to cancel the rest of the run. We appreciate this is really disappointing news for everyone, but we have to put the safety of our staff and company first.
"It's been overwhelming the amount of support that we've had from people who have bought tickets in our attempt to try and re-open theatre this Christmas. We are devastated that it's not going to go ahead, but thank you very much for the support."
WHAT ABOUT TICKETS?
If you had tickets to Sleeping Beauty at the Mayflower booked, the advice is to wait to be contacted.
The Box Office will be in touch with you to arrange a refund, and we're asked not to call them at this time.