Smaller show instead of panto at theatre

PANTO is officially off this year in Derby because of Covid, but one theatre is keeping the Christmas spirit going by staging a much smaller festive production.

Derby Theatre is re-opening in December with a splash – complete with a couple of bubbles.

That’s because the theatre, based at the Derby Centre – formerly Intu Derby – is staging a socially-distanced festive production of The Little Mermaid with two “bubbles” of actors in the story-telling roles.

The show, which will be suitable for younger children, will replace the theatre’s big Christmas production, which this year was meant to have been Aladdin and which has been rescheduled until next year due to the Covid-19 situation.

The Little Mermaid, from Wednesday, December 2 until Saturday, January 2, will be the first live performance on the Derby Theatre main stage since the venue closed its doors in March.

This week the theatre put out a casting call to East Midlandsbased actors to perform in the show.

Due to Covid restrictions, only professionals, aged 18 or above and living within 25 miles of Derby are being asked to audition. Two teams, each consisting of two actors, will form their own “bubbles” and share performances.

Auditions will take place via Zoom on Friday, October 23 and applications must be in by tomorrow.

A spokesperson said: “Safety measures will include socially distanced seating, reduced capacity, e-tickets, staff wearing protective face visors, hand sanitisation stations, enhanced cleaning schedules, plus much more.”

Sleeping Beauty, due to have been performed at Derby Arena throughout December, has been postponed until next year.