Theatres forced to give up the ghost on shows

VIRTUALLY all live indoor Christmas shows across Tayside and Perthshire have been cancelled or postponed overnight in light of the latest Covid restrictions.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s update to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday laid out new public events rules effective from Boxing Day for up to three weeks to help fight rising Omicron cases.

The new rules state that for indoor live events, audiences will be capped at 200 seated and 100 standing, with 1m social distancing.

A slew of pantomimes, Christmas shows, Hogmanay events and big-name concerts across the area have been cancelled or postponed in response to the news.

The Hogmanay Street Party in Edinburgh was also cancelled.

Perth Theatre operator Horsecross Arts said its much-anticipated panto, Cinderella, will close early, with the last performance to take place tomorrow.

A spokesman said: “The health and safety of audiences, artists and staff remains paramount. We have therefore had to take the very difficult but necessary decision to cancel all performances of Cinderella from Sunday until Friday December 31, as well as Fun Box’s Santa’s Pyjama Party in Perth Concert Hall next Thursday December 30.

“We will be contacting all ticket-holders by email to advise them of their options.”

Likewise, Dundee Rep’s acclaimed A Christmas Carol will become a ghost of Christmas yet to come for many, with last night’s show cancelled and the final performances taking place tomorrow.

However, the theatre will offer A Christmas Carol via its streaming service, Rep Studios, instead, running from tomorrow until January 2.

Aberfeldy Hogmanay Festival also announced the “very difficult decision” to cancel the event.

The upcoming Biffy Clyro concert at Fat Sam’s on January 16 has also been postponed, said Assai Records UK.