Peterborough will have a panto - as Cresset production goes on

Following the government announcement on August 15 that socially distanced indoor performances are able to go ahead, The Cresset will present an adventure full of festive family fun this Christmas with their production of Jack & The Beanstalk, running from December 12 to 24.

The news follows recent announcements that the Key Theatre production of Cinderella and New Theatre’s Aladdin were both postponed until 2021.

Join Jack as he reaches new heights on a giant adventure up the beanstalk – it’s sure to be full of fee, fie, fo, fun!

Audience safety is of course the priority and the producers and venue have designed a production that is Covid-secure for cast, crew and audiences. The auditorium (which will be disinfected between every performance) will be operating at a reduced capacity, the audience will be seated in their groups at socially distanced tables (with a maximum of 6 people per table) and the production will be smaller and more intimate than previous Cresset pantos – but there’s no doubt that it will have the same pantomime magic!

Other measurements in place include a reduced show runtime with no interval to prevent crowding; temperature checks on arrival; pre ordering options; one-way systems in operation to allow for social distancing, plus the cast and crew will be adhering to government guidelines during all rehearsals and performances.

Penny Hansen, Head of Commercial Activities at The Cresset said: “We know people have been eager to hear our plans for Christmas, and we’re absolutely thrilled to be able to be putting on a show! We appreciate everyone’s patience, but we had to make sure we could stage pantomime safely, and now we are really looking forward to being able to welcome families to The Cresset this Christmas.

“We’ll be announcing our cast soon who are really excited about the show; we’ve had to change some of the traditional pantomime elements, but it looks like the jokes will be just as bad as usual!

“Working within the current guidelines obviously presents some challenges, but cancellation was a last resort for us, so while it will of course be different, I think it’s going to be even more special than ever, and a wonderful way to end a really difficult year for everyone.”

Customers who have already booked tickets for Jack & The Beanstalk are being contacted directly by the Box Office – with the option of converting their booking to the new production, transferring tickets over to The Cresset’s 2021 pantomime, or receiving a refund/gift vouchers. Tickets for the 2020 production will be off sale while The Cresset contacts customers but will be on general sale from October 14 (£15).

The Cresset also has a selection of other socially distanced shows in their diary – kicking off with their chuckle-fest Comedy Club on October 17 and a night of song and dance in An Evening With Kevin & Joanne Clifton on November 14.