WHILE the doors of Thurrock's Thameside Theatre are set to remain closed this Christmas, fans of pantomime will still be able to enjoy a filmed festive production by the team that have established the venue as one of their seasonal homes.

Polka Dot Pantos have become firm local favourites with a string of productions at the Thameside and, working with the recently formed 'Original Online Panto Company' they have recorded a production of Sleeping Beauty at Runcorn's Brindley Theatre and re-mastered for digital audiences.

Some of the proceeds from online sales will benefit the Actors Benevolent Fund and the Equity Benevolent Fund, while charities including MENCAP, Great Ormond Street and Cancer Research UK will also receive revenue from their own ticket sales for the event – an offer that is open to smaller charities. Regional theatres promoting the show to their patrons will receive a share in revenue from ticket sales they generate so tickets purchased via the Thameside box office will benefit the theatre.

The show, which stars Rebecca Lake as Princess Aurora, Chris Pym as Prince Harry and Benidorm's Crissy Rock as Fairy Nuff, will be available to view online from Monday, 14 December 2020 to Sunday, 3 January 2021. Virtual tickets can now be purchased for £15.49 per household, and residents can watch the panto as many times as they wish over a four-day period.

Cllr Deb Huelin, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: "We may not be able to enjoy some of the things we usually would this Christmas time due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but I'm glad a virtual pantomime will help to bring some festive cheer to many households across the borough."

Thameside Theatre staff will be contacting anyone who had tickets to the 2020 pantomime with information on how to purchase virtual tickets.

Darren Maddison, Executive Producer at Polka Dot Pantomimes added: "Last year's production of Dick Whittington was a huge success and we are delighted that Thurrock will still be able to enjoy their annual festive tradition by watching one of our pantomimes.

"Sleeping Beauty is full of fun, fairytale adventure and lots of audience participation to keep everyone amused and entertained this Christmas."

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You can keep in touch with what is happening at the Thameside and for news of future productions via this link.