Blackpool Grand Theatre team 'devastated' as they announce postponement of pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs until Christmas 2021

Chief executive of the theatre Ruth Eastwood, said with latest Government rulings suggesting there will be no further guidance on theatres operating without social distancing until November, it was simply not viable to put on a full-scale show and they wanted audiences to be able to enjoy 'the true beauty and tradition of pantomime.'

Bosses have stressed they are 'not saying goodbye' to the pantomime, which has now been rescheduled for the Christmas 2021-22 season.

The latest news comes just weeks after Winter Gardens bosses said they would also be pushing back their production of Cinderella, the first pantomime to be held at the Opera House in more than 50 years, until next year.

Ms Eastwood said: ‘Like our theatregoers we are incredibly disappointed that we will be unable to stage our fantastic pantomime this Christmas but are pleased that this is only a temporary postponement and that Steve Royle will star in Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs in December 2021.

"This yearly event is part of the very foundations of the Blackpool Grand and we cannot stress how after decades of pantomime we are devastated to be unable to proceed this year."

She added the well-being of customers, staff and performers must be priority.

Martin Dodd, UK Productions Ltd’s producer added: ‘This is very sad news indeed for The Grand and theatres all over the UK – but understandable given the current safety restrictions in place for theatres and the financial viability to produce a show of the highest quality that Blackpool loves and has come to expect.

"We would be doing our audiences a disservice by presenting a scaled back version of the show and therefore we feel that to postpone is the only option."

Theatre staff will be in touch with customers of pre-booked tickets via email or phone in the coming days with full instructions and options.

Audiences will have the option to transfer tickets to a different performance of Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs, a 12-month credit to Grand Theatre or a refund if you cannot make your rescheduled performance date.

Ms Eastwood added: "We would like to sincerely thank you for your patience, continued understanding and support in these difficult circumstances and we look forward to welcoming you back to Blackpool Grand soon."

For more details please visit https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/blackpool-grand-theatre-pantomime-postponement