Lytham panto will go on - whatever our tier

If the area switches to Tier 2, the festive Jack and The Beanstalk show will be held in front of a socially-distanced audience inside the theatre, but if we stay as we are in Tier 3, the venue is gearing up for drive-in performances in the adjoining Lowther Gardens.

Drive-in cinema proved a big hit there during the first lockdown, while some comedy shows also followed the same style – and Lowther officials are determined the seasonal show will go on, whatever the restrictions because of the pandemic.

After the originally scheduled company decided some months ago to call off its production, Lowther is staging a panto of its own, with familiar faces such as Ian Fox and Lytham-born Kivan Dene returning after several years as The Dame and Fleshcreep respectively - and there are plans to get the production out to as many people as possible despite audience limitations, with it set to be filmed for viewing by schools and local care homes.

“The cast have all arrived and are excited to be rehearsing songs, slapstick and slosh routines and are ready to spread a little bit of socially-distanced fun this festive season,” said Lowther Trust spokesman and panto director Tim Lince

“The team here has spent the last few months looking at all the permutations of how these performances can be staged and have come up with alternatives that satisfy all levels of government restrictions.

“As part of the formula to bring panto back to Lytham this Christmas, we have rigged the internal theatre with a full pantomime set and special effects and will be filming their production of Jack and the Beanstalk for streaming to schools in the region.

“As part of our community commitment, we will also be providing this stream free to all care homes on the Fylde.

“If Lytham remains in Tier 3, the pantomime will be staged as an outdoor drive-in within Lowther’s grounds, with all previous ticket purchases exchanged for drive in tickets.

“That will be staged on a raised covered stage with full sets and costumes with sound directly piped into your car.

“If, however, Lowther is moved into Tier 2, then the pantomime will revert back inside the theatre with every car ticket bought equating to an exchanged four internal tickets. Socially distanced seating will be in place for the duration.

“If people are asked to self-isolate due to coming into contact with someone who has Covid, then don’t worry.

“We will still be able to let you enjoy our pantomime by exchanging tickets for a link to our streaming service so the pantomime can be enjoyed safely at home.”

The panto runs daily, except Christmas Day, from December 18 to 30

Ahead of that, on Wednesday, Lowther will also be staging a night of drive-in Comedy (16th) while drive-in Christmas concerts, with some celebrity guests including Jodie Prenger, Michael Portillo and Rick Wakeman from their homes, will feature in Lowther Gardens on December 18 and 21.

Drive-in films will also feature over the festive period and full details are available from www.lowtherpavilion.co.uk or (01253) 794221.

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