Worcester Theatres brought their famed family pantomime back this year with Beauty & the Beast, and the tale as old as time was a huge hit with Worcestershire audiences. Despite uncertainties surrounding the pandemic for everyone this season, the cast, crew and staff at Worcester Theatres worked hard to ensure the safety of themselves and their audiences throughout the pantomime run, and in return they received glowing feedback for each of their performances.
Many theatres were affected by Covid-19 during the panto season, with some having their performances delayed, interrupted, and even cancelled. The Worcester Theatres team managed to make it through a total of 59 shows, the most shows performed of any panto in Worcestershire, which seems like an incredible achievement during these difficult times.
Sarah-Jane Morgan, Chief Executive of Worcester Theatres said “I was simply delighted to get through the complete run of Beauty and the Beast. A 59 show run, plus two week rehearsal period is a tremendous task to undertake at any time but in the current climate some may have thought it near impossible! I was so grateful to make it safely through the complete run when other theatres across the country were sadly forced to close early due to the pandemic. Our patrons from Worcester and the wider ‘shire’ were utterly fabulous and supported us with a commitment that was so heartfelt, flooding through the doors of the Swan Theatre proving their undying support for live theatre and the arts in the city.”
Audiences both old and new commented on the exceptional quality of the Worcester Repertory Company cast, the set design, the music and the overall atmosphere created at the Swan Theatre:
“Yet again a brilliant traditional family pantomime. Absolutely nailed it.”
“It’s the best panto I’ve ever seen! We loved it”
“We go every Xmas Eve and it was brilliant, so pleased to be back doing our little tradition. Round of applause to all involved, can’t wait for next year”
“Took my daughter to her first panto and it was so good, she absolutely loved it”
“We loved the panto today!! Fabulous performances and very funny too.”
Beauty and the Beast was also met with accolades from local press; Choice Radio Worcester gave it five stars and said “If you are looking for an enchanting evening out with the family, with all you would expect from a panto, then you really only have to travel as far as the Swan Theatre”.
Theatre blogger and reviewer John Philpott had this to say“Worcester Rep has undoubtedly built on the city’s proud panto tradition to deliver a Christmas cracker of a show. This is indeed a show that explodes with talent!”
It’s clear to see Worcester Theatres’ pantomime was a roaring success that delighted and entertained its audiences – an incredible achievement and exactly what Worcester wants from its local arts organisations during these trying times.
Worcester Theatres and the Worcester Repertory Company will be back later in the year with Cinderella, from 29th November 2022 – 02nd January 2023, performing at the Swan Theatre. Tickets are available to buy now.