PREVIEW: Panto is on – oh yes it is !

The tradition of family pantomime has been cancelled in many towns and cities and though there may be some limited indoor performances permitted – for instance at the iconic Royal Vauxhall Tavern, it’s very much dependent on the course of the pandemic.

So good news this week that booking has opened for one panto that won’t be cancelled, thanks to ex Blue Peter star Peter Duncan.

Peter is a well-known panto dame – as well as being an ex- Chief Scout, he’s well prepared for the crisis that’s hit live theatre. And Jack and the Beanstalk could count as his greatest  “ here’s one I made earlier” in true Blue Peter style. He’s spent August in his back garden in London with actors, singers and dancers making a socially distanced filmed panto with all the traditional elements for a streaming audience at home.

The show, presented by Panto Online is now on sale at reduced ticket prices throughout September.

You’ll be able to watch it at home from 4 December to 10 January. Filmed at a social distance it features Peter as Dame Trott, Ian Talbot , Sam Ebenezer, Nicola Blackman, Jos Vantyler and Sarah Moss.

It’s choreographed by  ex Hot Gossip dancer Julia Gale who also plays the front half of Buttercup the cow and she doesn’t need to disatance herself from her nether regions  partner as it’s her husband!

Complete with ingenious  sets, fabulous costumes and even a real beanstalk, it’s got boos, cheers “ he’s behind you” and a sing-along song.

So Christmas will have at least one pre-Covid tradition – oh yes it will !

Tickets at Pantoonline.co.uk