Northampton theatre announces local line-up for panto as extensive plans in place to make shows Covid-safe

A popular local theatre has announced the cast for its 2020 pantomime which will have a number of measures in place to make sure it is Covid-safe.

The Deco in Abington Square will put on several performances of Sleeping Beauty during the festive season, including on Christmas Eve.

To play key roles in the show, which will have a reduced cast, the theatre has recruited BBC Radio Northampton presenter Wayne Bavin, local dance school owner Andrzej Mialkowski, comedian Mark Jones and born and bred Northampton performer Fern Roach.

The performances will last one hour and 20 minutes, with no interval. Temperatures will be taken on arrival and customers will be shown straight to their seats with no waiting in bar areas. Face coverings will also be required in line with Government guidelines.

House manager, Jill Roach who is also Fern’s mum, said: “We pride ourselves on supporting and encouraging local talent, and we’re very proud of our town, and our county, so we're delighted with so many local connections in this year’s panto.

“Fern has been outstanding in her two panto performances so far, and I’m very proud of her – and she has won her parts on merit, auditioning like everyone else.

“Andrzej has a huge personality, and every time we’ve met him we’ve felt he’s a natural for panto, so when he told us he’d love the opportunity, and then put himself up for audition, we were delighted and we’re certain we’ve discovered another great local stage talent: he’ll be brilliant.

“Wayne and Mark are two highly experienced panto performers, and great entertainers too, and we’re delighted that they’re making their Deco debuts this year – our audiences will love them, and they’re both really looking forward to being part of our show.”

The panto will start on December 11 and run until Christmas Eve.

On busier days, more performances will be put on at different times to make sure social distancing is in place.

If a national or local lockdown comes into place and affects the performances, tickets will be honoured for the 2021 panto.

Tickets are available now and can be bought online from the Deco’s website, where more information can be found about the Covid-safe measures.

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