Socially distanced pantomime planned for theatregoers to enjoy - The Solihull Observer

Socially distanced pantomime planned for theatregoers to enjoy

Solihull Editorial 18th Nov, 2020   0

ROBIN Hood and his band of merry men will be taking to the stage for a socially distanced pantomime in Birmingham.

The one-act production of Robin Hood will be staged in the Alexandra Theatre in the city in January for the first time in 20 years as the Hippodrome hosts the Van Gogh Alive experience.

Birmingham Hippodrome and Qdos Entertainment have joined forces to bring life back to the theatre which was forced to close in March.

Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood will star as The Sheriff of Nottingham alongside Hippodrome pantomime favourite Matt Slack as Robin Hood.




The pair will be joined on stage by Richard Cadell as Will Scarlet, with his mischievous sidekick, Sooty.

Artistic director and chief executive of Birmingham Hippodrome, Fiona Allan and managing director of Qdos Entertainment Michael Harrison, who has directed the Hippodrome pantomime for the past 10 years, said: “We’re delighted to be working together to make sure that our loyal audiences in Birmingham don’t miss out on the magic of pantomime this year.


“Presenting Robin Hood at The Alexandra allows us to see two of the city’s key cultural institutions open with social distancing in place.

“Although on a different stage, this year’s show will be designed and created by the usual Hippodrome panto creative team, and will feature all the comedy and laughter our audiences have come to expect”.

The production is able to go ahead thanks to the support of The National Lottery, which will give thousands of theatregoers, in Birmingham and across the country, the chance to enjoy socially distanced pantomime this Christmas.

Lisa Mart, theatre director at The Alexandra added: “Words can’t quite express how thrilled we are to be working with Qdos Entertainment and our friends at Birmingham Hippodrome to bring this much loved annual tradition back to the city this festive season.

“This cross-venue collaboration is one of many examples of cultural organisations in Birmingham working together to provide audiences with entertainment during what has been a challenging time for the sector.

“We are incredibly grateful to the National Lottery for their support, without which we would not have been able to proceed.

“The opportunity to bring our team back to the venue to prepare for this special socially-distanced experience is the Christmas present we have all been dreaming of.”

The previously advertised production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears starring Jason Donovan and Matt Slack will be staged back at the Hippodrome in December 2021 and existing bookers have already been contacted with details of their new tickets.

Tickets for Robin Hood, which will run from January 15 to 31 are available online at www.ATGTICKETS.COM/Birmingham or by calling 0844 871 7615.

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