The Geordie Panto at Gateshead Stadium has cancelled its 2020 show, Beauty and the Beast.
A statement from the company, issued today, said:
“It is with heavy heart that we must inform you that we have taken the decision to cancel all performances of this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast at Gateshead Stadium Theatre.
“We feel that the current guidance relating to COVID-19 leaves us no choice.
“We have delayed making the decision for as long as possible while we considered every option for safely performing our pantomime, but we have now reached the point where we have had to make this difficult, but necessary call.
“As a company, we are in the unique position of building and adapting our own theatre auditorium each year. We had hoped this would give us greater scope for adopting safe social distancing measures, but it equally places us in a unique position in terms of supply chains, staffing, and protecting our own actors, crew and front of house staff, all of which have led us to the conclusion that to continue in the present climate with the level of uncertainty that continues to prevail, would be wholly unviable and would not allow for the festive experience we are known for providing.
“The safety of our customers and the personnel associated with the production has to be our number one priority.
“We thank you for your continued support and ask you to be patient while we contact all patrons who have already paid for tickets or secured a booking with a deposit. Our box office team are working to process full refunds as quickly as possible.
“For now, we are looking to Christmas 2021 when we hope to be in a position to welcome you all back to the Home of Geordie Panto.”