For the first time in 22 years, Hereford theatre The Courtyard will not be staging its annual panto because of an increase in the number of reported cases of coronavirus and the possibility of further restrictions.
Ian Archer, The Courtyard’s chief executive and producer of Jack and the Beanstalk, said, “we always hear from our audiences that it isn’t Christmas without panto, so we were adamant to continue, to give some light-hearted escapism back to our community.
“But with the increase in cases, set to worsen over the winter period, and the threat of local lockdowns, we simply couldn’t risk it—for The Courtyard or our community. What matters above all else is that everyone stays safe and well.”