Oh, no, it won’t... pantos set to be axed
A leading theatre director has predicted panto season “won’t happen” this year because of the Covid-19 pandemic, as decisions loom for Scotland’s biggest festive productions.
Former National Theatre director Sir Nicholas Hytner said the entire arts sector was “on the brink of ruin” and the industry needed “unprecedented and immediate” investment to survive. And he said a lack of ticket revenue meant no one could start spending on Christmas shows, meaning “panto season won’t happen”.
journalist Andrew Marr has paid tribute to his father, who died just hours before his son made it to hospital in Dundee to see him for the last time.
Nick Robinson hosted the veteran broadcaster’s politics show on Sunday after Mr Marr announced the news on Twitter, writing: “Good luck and thanks Nick Robinson for taking over Sunday’s show. My lovely dad has just died and I am out of action.”
The presenter said on Sunday he had not seen his dad Donald, who lived in Longforgan, for months as a result of lockdown measures.
The 60-year-old rushed to travel from his home in London when he learned his father had fallen ill on Tuesday. However, he arrived too late to be with the 89-year-old before he died in Ninewells Hospital.
Mr Marr told his local newspaper: “I came up as fast as I could. As soon as I heard he had taken ill I had a feeling it was very serious.
“It was good for him that it was quick and I’m lucky I managed to speak to him a few days before.
“Ihadbeenveryuneasybeing in London for quite some time but I didn’t quite know why. I had a premonition that things were not quite right.”
Mr Marr, senior, a leading figure in the investment trust industry, had lived in Longforgan for around 60 years.
His son, who attended Dundee High School, had only been able to communicate with his father and mother Valerie on the phone or via video chat since March.
Mr Marr said: “We had a very strong relationship and he has been a big influence on my life.
“Every time I messed something up, I think it was because I didn’t do it his way. That sounds like quite an emobbc tional thing to say but I really think it’s true. All of his children would probably say the same. His influence will live on through all of us.”
A number of journalists, broadcasters and politicians sent message of support and condolences. BBC Breakfast host Naga Munchetty said: “Sending love and condolences,” while former Conservative minister Damian Green added: “So sad to hear. Condolences to your family.”