Chesterfield Borough Council and producers Paul Holman Associates have taken the “incredibly difficult” decision to postpone Beauty and the Beast, the 2020 panto at the town’s Pomegranate Theatre, because of social distancing.
Councillor Kate Sarvent from the authority which runs the Pomegranate said, “it’s very disappointing that we’ve had to make this incredibly difficult decision but sadly it’s just not possible to hold a large-scale pantomime this year.
“We’ve explored all options to make it both safe and financially viable but unfortunately it’s simply not possible. I know the pantomime is the highlight of the year for many of our residents and visitors, and it’s an annual tradition for many families in and around Chesterfield.
“We’re really sorry that this year’s festive celebrations have to be different. We’ll soon be announcing details of some special Christmas experiences and activities in the town centre to help ensure that families are still able to make this Christmas memorable.”
Producer Paul Holman added, “our aim is that the pantomime will be back next year, bigger and better than ever before.”
Beauty and the Beast has been rescheduled to run from Friday 3 December 2021 until Sunday 2 January 2022.
The two Chesterfield theatres will remain open for live events including an autumn play season which starts at the Pomegranate on Tuesday 13 October with Patrick Barlow’s Love upon the Throne and An Evening with Kevin and Joanne Clifton at the Winding Wheel on Wednesday 11 November.