THE Mercury Theatre’s annual pantomime has been called off after months of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Bosses at the theatre had been making preparations for the festive show due to be held later in the year.

But without information from the Government on when they can reopen safely and the financial implications of a socially distanced opening has now forced their hand.

The panto had been due to take place in the Mercury Theatre’s renovated building.

Instead it will be delayed until the 2021 season.

Mercury executive Producer Tracey Childs said: “We are devastated not to be able to put on our annual Mercury pantomime this festive season.

“Like many other regional theatres, panto is not only our financial mainstay, but also an event our whole community looks forward to and enjoys.

“We love seeing our auditorium packed with smiling faces as families and friends enjoy this wonderful Christmas tradition together. But the safety of our audiences and staff, both on and off stage, must be our top priority.”

Read more >>> Mercury Theatre loses out on projected £2.3 million due to coronavirus closure​

If the theatre had opened with social distancing measures it would have meant reducing capacity to 25 per cent.

This would be equivalent to the theatre selling 125 tickets for each show compared with the usual 530.

To break even tickets would have had to increase to £100 each.

Mercury creative director Ryan McBryde said: “We have not taken this heartbreaking decision lightly.

“The magic of pantomime comes from the shared experience - a packed auditorium full of friends and families who can interact with the all-singing, all-dancing performers on stage.

Gazette:

“But under the Government’s current social distancing guidelines there is no way we can deliver this.

“Pantomimes take months, if not years in the making and usually by August sets have been built, actors have been cast and costumes have been fitted. Postponing until next year seems like the most sensible and safe option in these circumstances.

“It is the one show of the year which brings everybody from eight-year-olds to 80-year-olds together.

“Everything was ready to go but it is about safety. We thought long and hard about doing social distancing in the auditorium but financially it is not viable.”

Alternatives were explored but found not to be possible.

To donate:

• Text PANTO 3 to donate £3 (your interval ice cream) to 70085

• Text PANTO 10 to donate £10 (your interval drinks) to 70085

• Text PANTO 20 to donate £20 (your ticket price) to 70085

Or visit www.mercurytheatre.co.uk/support for other ways donate.