Kent's biggest theatre has announced it will be hosting a pantomime this year - after cancelling its original plans due to the pandemic.

The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury was forced to scrap its popular festive production for the first time ever two months ago, amid uncertainty surrounding the reopening of theatres .

But in a shock twist, the theatre has today announced it will be presenting a special production to keep the spirit of pantomime alive in Canterbury this Christmas.

Nurse Nellie Saves Panto, running between December 11 and January 3, will be performed to a socially-distanced audience and will star much-loved panto legend Ben Roddy who has played the dame in The Marlowe’s pantomimes for the last decade.

He will be joined by a cast of other Marlowe pantomime favourites, to be announced soon.

Telling the story of what happens when a baddie attempts to steal the joy of pantomime, audiences are promised a "fun-sized" show that will feature plenty of classic pantomime moments, some great musical numbers and the legendary ghost gag bench.

The announcement comes two months after The Marlowe team were forced to postpone Jack and the Beanstalk, when it became clear that they wouldn’t be able to play to a full house this Christmas.

The Marlowe’s Chief Executive Deborah Shaw said: “We postponed Jack and the Beanstalk that we would find a way to keep the madcap spirit of pantomime alive this Christmas and I am delighted to say that Nurse Nellie has come clattering to the rescue in her size 9s!

"It’s going to be a small but perfectly-formed fun-packed present to local families at the end of this horrible year. We’re hoping it will become a ‘collectors item’ for panto-lovers. We’re also happy to be playing a vital part in supporting local businesses, by bringing audiences into Canterbury during the festive period.”

As with the regular Marlowe pantomimes, Nurse Nellie Saves Christmas is a co-production with Evolution Productions.

Paul Hendy, writer and director, from Evolution Productions said: “Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without The Marlowe’s pantomime so we’re absolutely delighted to be able to present this fun-sized, pop-up panto.

"Nurse Nellie Saves Panto will be the perfect antidote to 2020.”

The show will be performed to a socially-distanced audience, meaning there will be fewer people in the auditorium than normal to ensure the appropriate distancing between different groups of audience members.

It is expected that about 400 seats will be available per performance - far fewer than the 1,164 available at last year's pantomime Mother Goose.

The Marlowe team will also be complying with all of the latest government guidance regarding Covid-19.

Tickets will go on sale to Marlowe Friends on October 12, with the general public able to book from October 15. With limited seating available, ticket demand is expected to be high and customers are advised to book early or join as a Marlowe Friend to get priority booking.

Tickets will be available from The Marlowe's website or by calling the theatre's box office on 01227 787787.

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