Is just fabulous
SNOB CRITICS CAN P*SS OFF (OH YES, THEY CAN)
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JOHN Barrowman and a band of angry dwarves have gone to war with theatre snobs for suggesting panto should not be part of the Government arts bailout.
Snooty arts critic Matthew Anderson sparked anger by mocking Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden’s plan to get our favourite Christmas productions moving again.
The Government hopes the family-friendly performances could kick-start the rest of the theatre industry.
But New York Times arts editor Matthew wrote: “UK culture secretary doing the rounds this morning to talk up the arts rescue package. Talked about pantomimes on BBC Breakfast, Today and Sky News. PANTOMIMES.”
I’m A Celeb star Barrowman, who is a pantomime regular, was among dozens who were outraged.
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The 53-year-old actor said: “On behalf of everyone involved in PANTOMIMES who have done 2 sometime 3 shows a day 6 days a week and have made millions of pounds for Theatres, kept some afloat and introduced children to the love of live performances.
“Royally Pi** Off. John Barrowman MBE.” Hayley Batty, who supplies dwarves events through her company Hayley Entertainments, was also furious.
She said: “Of course panto is not essential and I wouldn’t say it’s an essential service.
“But working and putting food on their tables, is essential to them. This is their fulltime job, so that’s how they feed their families.”
The Government revealed on Sunday a £1.57billion support package for Britain’s museums, galleries, and theatres.
And Mr Dowden has said that panto season “was key” to the future of theatres. for B
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KATE Garraway was seen out and about after revealing her husband is still seriously ill in hospital with Covid.
The Good Morning Britain presenter, 53, said Derek Draper is in a “critical and serious condition” after waking from an induced coma.
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She said medics had told her to get back to a form of normality for herself and children Darcey, 14, and Billy, 11.