The Kings Theatre Portsmouth has announced that as a result of the enforced closure of theatres the production of Peter Pan will be postponed and will now run next year.
Kings Theatre are delighted to reveal that in its place the Kings will premiere Dick Whittington starring Pompey’s favourite Dame, Jack Edwards alongside a host of local favourites. Dick Whittington will run at the Kings from Saturday 28 November until Thursday 31 December 2020 with Peter Pan postponed until next year, running from Saturday 27 November until Friday 31 December 2021.
Jack Edwards said: “Peter Pan will be back with the irrepressible John Challis next year bigger and better and we can’t wait!
As someone who is born and bred here, loves the Kings so much, and has the pleasure of playing Pantomime Dame every year, it is a huge privilege that we can bring you Dick Whittington as our 2020 ‘Pompey Panto’. I can’t wait to bring all the elements that we know and love including the brilliant 12 days of Christmas, (don’t forget your toilet rolls)."
Kings Theatre CEO, Paul Woolf said: “Team Kings will not be defeated! Let other venues cancel panto but not us. We are at the heart of the Pompey community and after all the heartache of lockdown we want to give you the opportunity to have some fun. And we are going to deliver that in buckets full!
We are putting on the Pompey Panto. All tickets are £20 and there are 6 designated schools performances with tickets for School and Education Groups at just £10.25 each. We’re also putting on a free performance for NHS and key workers on Wednesday 2 December with tickets available by ballot. We’ll be releasing details of how to apply for tickets in July.”
Before opening the Kings will be undertaking a series of measures to ensure the safety and comfort of customers:
- The Theatre is undertaking a deep clean of the venue and has an increased daily cleaning regime
- Staff training will be undertaken so that all staff are aware of their responsibilities and the hygiene routines to be followed
- All staff will be supplied with PPE as needed
- Free face masks will be available for audience members on request
- Non-contact temperature checks will apply to all staff, performers and customers
- Hand sanitisers will be available at entrances and throughout the building for staff, performers and customers
- Screens are being fitted for public areas serving our customers including Box Office, merchandise and confectionary counters.
- Panto audiences will be limited to ensure safe social distancing measures can be complied with
- Crowd control measures including audience entrance and exit and flow through the venue, to toilets, bars, exit etc. will be implemented
If you booked tickets for Peter Pan those will be automatically transferred to 2021, although there are other options upon request. You can book your tickets to Dick Whittington now at kingsportsmouth.co.uk.
You can watch the Facebook Live Q&A with Paul Woolf - CEO and Jack Edwards - Creative Director.
