Lichfield Garrick's panto postponed but 'bite-size' show to be held instead

The theatre said that the financial and social risk of putting on the large-scale pantomime, Peter Pan, is too great this year, so the Garrick will presents Lichfield’s first bite-size panto, Jack and the Beanstalk.

A bite-sized panto is a shorter run pantomime with fewer performers on stage, the theatre said. The bite-size pantomime will follow government guidance at the time of the event and go on sale as a socially distanced event.

It will be a 75-minute show with no interval.

Karen Foster, Lichfield Garrick’s chief executive, said: “Pantomime is crucial to theatre earnings and the cost of a long closure owing to coronavirus has been a major setback for this theatre.

"At the Lichfield Garrick we are determined to adapt and bring high quality entertainment to our audiences this Christmas season because we know what panto means to so many people, young and old; we are so looking forward to welcoming you back to the theatre.

"Whilst this year’s pantomime will be shorter and with a smaller cast and crew, it will be big on Christmas cheer, family humour and all your favourite pantomime jokes.

"Please support your theatre by buying tickets or donating to Lichfield Garrick Arts charity."

The Box Office team will contact all Peter Pan ticket holders to see whether they would like to keep their tickets for the new dates, donate to Lichfield Garrick charity or request a full refund. Should you keep your ticket for 2021 Peter Pan, you will automatically get a five per cent discount on tickets to this year’s Jack and the Beanstalk, The Bite-Size Pantomine.

Changes are being made across the building to make it a Covid-secure venue. These changes include sanitiser stations across the venue, screens and PPE, one-way systems and distance markers, reduced box office hours in a temporary station and the ability to pre-order snacks and drinks via a website.

After every show a deep clean, disinfectant fogging machine will clean the seats and ensure the seats are Covid-secure for every performance. The theatre will be following government guidelines at the time of each event with regards to social distancing.