Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre "devastated" as it cancels its panto

The team at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre say they are “devastated” to announce the cancellation of this year’s pantomime.
Guildfords Yvonne Arnaud TheatreGuildfords Yvonne Arnaud Theatre
Guildfords Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Sally Anne Lowe, director of marketing and customer experience, said: “This has been one of the hardest decisions we’ve had to make during this crisis as we love panto as much as the thousands of audience members who come each year. However, we have to face the reality of the impact of COVID-19 on our lives and livelihoods and need to protect the long-term future of the theatre.

“Our audiences will know that the pandemic has had an overwhelming impact on theatres across the country, putting many of them in crisis. Pantomime presents its own particular challenges as large casts, live music and dancing are not possible within the current guidelines, even if small numbers of actors can perform.

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“At its most successful, pantomime brings much needed financial support to the theatre for the whole year, but if the theatre cannot operate at full capacity, if audiences don’t feel confident in coming, or if performers are taken ill and we need to shut down even for a short number of shows, the impact on the theatre will be catastrophic. 20 per cent of our audience consists of group bookings from schools and other organisations, and already, understandably, many of these have been in touch to let us know they won’t be able to come to panto this year.”

Joanna Read, director and chief executive, said: ‘I am deeply sad at having to make this decision. The Yvonne Arnaud pantomime is one of the highlights of Christmas in Surrey, and I was so looking forward to directing and producing Robin Hood. I know that, for so many families, like my own, it plays a central part in their Christmas celebrations, often across the generations.’

Peter Gordon has starred in the Yvonne Arnaud panto since 2006, as the voice of the mirror, King, Emperor, an Ugly Sister and, in recent years the dame: “I can hardly believe we won't be performing a pantomime this year, but the long term future of our Yvonne Arnaud theatre has to come first. We must make sure it's protected for the future in Guildford. While it's upsetting for all of those involved that the magic won't be on the stage in December, we can start looking forward to proper panto fun being back in 2021!”

Sally Anne added: “Customers who have already booked will receive an email from us confirming their options. We ask you not contact the box office, as we are working with a reduced staff team and are not able to take phone calls.”

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