Question mark over Eastbourne panto

Last year's Eastbourne panto was Jack and the Beanstalk

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, countless shows and events at the town’s Congress and Devonshire Park theatres and Winter Garden have been cancelled or rescheduled for next year.

At present, Eastbourne Theatres – the council-owned theatre group responsible for those theatres which books shows – says all productions have been put off until at least August this year.

And Eastbourne council leader David Tutt said this week the chances of staging any major production – like the pantomime – are unlikely.

This year’s offering – Sleeping Beauty – was due to open at the Devonshire Park Theatre on Friday December 11 for a four week run through until January 17.

Mr Tutt said, “With theatres around the country still closed, I have been asked whether the Christmas panto will still take place this year.

“The simple answer is that while we have not yet reached a final decision, with the considerable level of uncertainty that exists around the future need for social distancing, the chances of staging any major production this year are diminishing.”

The Eastbourne Theatres annual show is one of the most popular on the south coast with record breaking bookings at the box office every year.

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