Derby Arena panto is cancelled for 2020

Sleeping Beauty, which was due to be performed at Derby Arena from December 5 to 31, has now been postponed until 2021, due to continued uncertainty about when and how indoor theatre can resume.

Derby City Council held out for as long as possible before making the decision as the annual pantomime plays a key role in the city’s festive celebrations. Throughout the pandemic, the safety of the public, performers and staff has remained the priority.

The pantomime production company Little Wolf Entertainment and Derby LIVE, the council’s arts and entertainment arm, looked into staging Sleeping Beauty with full social distancing measures in place, but found a show on this scale would not be viable.

Councillor Robin Wood, the council’s cabinet member for leisure, said: “We know a lot of families are going to be disappointed, and we share this disappointment too. We’ve held off announcing the postponement until now because we were always hopeful that the pantomime could go ahead in some form, but this has not proved possible. We will be back next year with the same fantastic show we’ve been planning for since last Christmas that everyone can enjoy safely.”

Morgan Brind and Alan Bowles, of Little Wolf Entertainment, said: "Obviously we're heartbroken to not be creating the annual Derby LIVE panto magic this Christmas. “We know our wonderful audiences will understand why we are taking the difficult decision to postpone.”

Last year’s pantomime, Peter Pan, was the most successful at Derby Arena yet, attracting more than 35,000 people, including more than 16,000 children.

The production also raised £25,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital, through royalties and bucket collections during performances.

Sleeping Beauty will run from December 10, 2021 to January 8, 2022 with tickets kept at 2020 prices, from £14.75. Early bird discount, concessions, group, school and family tickets are available. To book, call 01332 255800 or choose your seats online at www.derbylive.co.uk.

Tickets already bought for this year’s show will be transferred to a corresponding date.

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