Liverpool Everyman rock 'n' roll panto postponed
The Liverpool Everyman has postponed its popular Rock ‘n’ Roll panto because of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
The Hope Street theatre was planning to stage its own unique version of Robin Hood this Christmas, having announced the show – written by Mark Chatterton and Sarah A Nixon – many months ago.
But now theatre chiefs have decided the run is not financially viable with strict social distancing measures still likely to be in place, and have postponed the Sherwood Forest silliness until next November.
However, they have revealed they are now working on ideas for “creating a more modest but equally magical Everyman & Playhouse Christmas experience for families and friends to enjoy.”
In a joint statement Mark Da Vanzo and Gemma Bodinetz, chief executive and artistic director respectively of Liverpool and Merseyside Theatres Trust, said: “This isn’t a decision we wanted to make and it's one that we've not taken lightly, knowing what it means to us and to you.
“The Everyman Rock ‘n’ Roll panto is a Christmas institution in Liverpool, and we like to think it’s the best in the land, nay universe. As soon as one show finishes we start work on the next, and this year was no exception. However, as we all know, this is an exceptional year, for all the wrong reasons.
“Due to COVID-19 and our ongoing extended closure, this year is financially tough, and while we believe we can survive, we can’t afford to take any risks that might jeopardise our theatres for the future.
“Like many theatres across the country, with social distancing in place it makes it impossible to present the show you know and love in an economically viable way. While we know that this news will be a huge disappointment, we want to reassure you that the Rock ‘n’ Roll panto will return.”
Any current sold or returned tickets will be moved to the equivalent performance in 2021-22. Bookers will be contacted directly by the theatre.