The Marlowe has pushed its pantomime back by eight days after the county was plunged into Tier 3 restrictions.

The Canterbury theatre has sold more than 14,000 tickets for Nurse Nellie Saves Panto - a “fun size” festive show that was originally set to run between December 11 and January 3.

But a spanner was thrown in the works when the government announced last week that Kent would be under the most stringent coronavirus restrictions following the national lockdown.

Under the Tier 3 measures, the Marlowe and other theatres must stay shut.

Now, the theatre is hanging its hopes on Kent being moved into a lower tier when restrictions are reviewed later this month, so it can reopen in time for Christmas.

Marlowe bosses have announced the pantomime will now run from December 19 to January 10.

The 14 shows that were initially set to take place prior to December 19 have been cancelled, with ticket holders offered seats at new performances that have been added.

Those whose tickets are affected by the change of opening date are to be contacted directly by the theatre in the next few days.

The Marlowe’s chief executive, Deborah Shaw, said: “The recent news that Kent has been moved into Tier 3 restrictions has certainly proved to be a challenge, but we are in no doubt about how much our audiences love their pantomime visit and we are doing everything we can to make it happen.

“We are hoping that Kent moves into Tier 2 restrictions before Christmas, as this will mean that the show can go ahead. Our primary aim is to make sure that we can all enjoy a live pantomime together, if humanly possible.”

As well as announcing the revised opening date for the pantomime, the theatre has also revealed further details of the production’s cast.

Nurse Nellie Saves Panto will star much-loved panto legend Ben Roddy.

He has played the Dame in The Marlowe’s pantomimes for the past 11 years.

The role of Fairy Moonshot will be played by Chanice Alexander-Burnett, while Cara Dudgeon will be playing the role of Jill.

Kent comedian Lloyd Hollett returns in the role of Billy, marking his 10th appearance in a Marlowe pantomime; while Ian Kirby, known for children’s TV shows such as The Slammer, will play The Baddie.

The show is a co-production with The Marlowe Theatre and Evolution Productions, and is written and directed by Paul Hendy.

Fittingly for a show that has been so challenged by the coronavirus pandemic, Nurse Nellie Saves Panto tells the story of what happens when a baddie attempts to steal the joy of pantomime.

Rehearsals in theatres are still permitted under Tier 3 rules, so the cast began rehearsing together on Wednesday, with safety measures in place.

Nurse Nellie Saves Panto will be performed to a socially-distanced, scaled down audience.

The Marlowe team will be complying with the latest government guidance on Covid-19.

All customers will be entitled to a refund or credit voucher if their scheduled performance does not take place.

Tickets can be booked via marlowetheatre.com or by calling The Marlowe’s Box Office team on 01227 787787.

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