Spreading cheer Panto tickets given to NHS workers
BRISTOL Hippodrome is giving away tickets to the opening performance of its socially-distanced pantomime to local NHS workers and their families.
The production of Robin Hood runs at the city venue from Friday, December 18, until Sunday, January 10, thanks to support from the National Lottery.
The all-star cast features the Strictly judge the nation loves to hate, Craig Revel Horwood, as the Sheriff of Nottingham, alongside funny man Matt Slack and Richard Cadell & Sooty. This new show will be packed full of comedy routines, audience-safe participation and all the magic that The Bristol Hippodrome audiences have come to expect.
Ben Phillips, theatre director at The Bristol Hippodrome, said: “I am over the moon at this news.
“I had finally accepted that 2020 would be my first year in 21 years in the business there would no panto when right at the eleventh hour a magical mix of Bristol Hippodrome, ATG, Qdos and the National Lottery made mine and many others’ dream come true!
“I’m even more thrilled that we are gifting all tickets to the first performance of Robin Hood to NHS workers and their families as a way of saying thank you for their efforts and dedication during what has been a difficult time for us all.
“We hope this will bring some much needed joy as they continue to work through the pandemic.”
NHS staff can register for the ticket ballot at www.healthservicediscounts. com for the chance to win up to six tickets for their household or support bubble. The ballot opened for registration today and winners will be notified by Monday, December 7.
The Bristol Hippodrome and Ambassador Theatre Group are working to UK Theatre’s See it Safely guidelines, which include staggering audience arrival time, socially-distanced seating, multiple hand sanitisation points, temperature checks on arrival and contactless ticketing.
Produced by Qdos Entertainment, the production has been made possible thanks to the support of the National Lottery. This initiative between the National Lottery and Qdos Entertainment provides financial support for regional theatres to stage socially-distanced, live pantos this festive season, making it possible for The Bristol Hippodrome to open its doors, generate vital income and restore jobs while bringing some much-needed festive cheer to the city.