Tickets on sale for south coast’s socially distanced pantomime

As a result of the latest restrictions, the Theatre will be closed from Thursday 5th November for four weeks, with the first pantomime performance moved to Tuesday 8th December.

All shows prior to this date have been cancelled and all tickets holders are being refunded and offered priority booking for the revised dates.

As part of the panto run, the free performance for NHS and key workers has been moved to the opening night on the 8th December.

During the Theatre closure period, the Box Office will be open for phone and email enquiries on Monday to Friday from 10am-4pm. Please visit: https://www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk/contact-us/

It simply wouldn't be Christmas without a trip to the panto, and this year the historic Kings Theatre in Portsmouth is making sure the tradition can still be enjoyed by all.

They're staging a socially distanced performance of Dick Whittington for the holiday season.

The Albert Road theatre is producing the pantomime itself for the first time, and it boasts a cast that wouldn't be out of place on the West End, with Sean Smith (an X Factor finalist, along with his sister, in the group 'Same Difference') as Dick Whittington, the theatre's own Jack Edwards as Dame Dolly, and local favourites Julia Worsley and Las Vegas Best New Act award winner James Percy.

The classic tale will be re-imagined for the family as a fun-filled, modern pantomime. Our intrepid hero Dick Whittington heads off on a thrilling quest to find his fortune and win his lady love Alice in London, encountering crazy characters on his way. Terrific songs, silly humour, and spectacular sets ensure this will be a festive treat for all ages.

While Covid-19 may still be a concern, audiences can rest assured that this extraordinary event will be perfectly safe. Audience numbers are limited to 400 to comply with social distancing rules, and you can choose your own seats to sit within a bubble of various sizes (two to six people) in accordance with government guidelines. Parties larger than six can be easily accommodated but will need to observe social distancing rules.

Full hygiene and safety protocols will be in place. A money-back guarantee exists if the Kings Theatre is not able to present the show, so you can purchase tickets in full confidence.

Sean Smith, who grew up just minutes away from the theatre, is delighted to be performing at the Kings: “I'm a panto veteran nowadays, but this is my first one at the Kings. I feel more pressure than I normally would, partly because of the situation with Covid, but also because it's my hometown.

“It's going to be so, so special to do this at the end of a very tough year, particularly to do it here at the Kings. I think the last time I was on the stage here was when I was a little kid when I did shows with the Portsmouth Players. I can't wait to be out there again!”

Dick Whittington runs from Tuesday 8 December 2020 to Sunday 3 January 2021. All tickets £20. For tickets and more information, visit the website.

The Kings Theatre has introduced a number of measures for their staff and guests' comfort and safety:

A deep clean of the venue has been undertaken.

An increased pre-show cleaning regime will be in operation.

Hand sanitisers will be available at all entrances and throughout the building for staff, performers and customers.

Training has been undertaken so that all staff are aware of their responsibilities and the hygiene routines to be followed.

All staff will be supplied with PPE as needed.

We have implemented an in-seat ordering app for refreshments.

Audience members are encouraged to bring their own face coverings. Disposable face coverings will be available at the Theatre.

Non-contact temperature checks will apply to all staff, performers and customers.

Screens have been fitted to our Box Office, merchandise and confectionery counters.

Audience numbers will be limited to ensure safe social distancing measures can be complied with.

Crowd control measures including audience entrance and exit, and flow through the venue to toilets etc. will be implemented.

Compliance with all Track and Trace guidelines.

If you are showing any symptoms of Covid 19 please do not come to the theatre