Theatre managers have said they will still go ahead with their socially-distanced panto, but performances will move online.

The EM Forster Theatre's pantomime, Robin Hood and his Socially Distanced Merry Men, has been produced with Wicked Productions and will now see performances filmed and streamed online from Monday, December 21 to Sunday, January 3.

Managers at the Tonbridge theatre were forced to make the decision after the Government's review saw the county staying with Tier 3 restrictions, meaning theatres must stay shut.

Though live performances have been cancelled - and ticket holders will be contacted to arrange refunds - audiences can enjoy the show from the comfort of their own sofa.

The family festive show will be packed with slapstick, jokes, and traditional panto magic.

Deep in the heart of his foreboding castle, the dastardly Sheriff of Nottingham is living the high life by taxing the poor, whilst imprisoning brave Maid Marian. But the Sheriff underestimated our hero Robin emerging from Sherwood Forest to rescue his fair maiden Marian and recoup the gold to return to the poor.

Can Robin save the day with a little help from his band of Merry Folk?

Find out more about the precautions everyone involved is taking here.

Online tickets for the filmed show can be bought at emftheatre.com or by calling 01732 304241, costing £21 each. Audience members select the date they want to watch it and are then emailed a link valid between 10am and 7.30pm on that date. The shows are 90 minutes with no interval.

Audiences will also be able to donate to the panto Christmas charities for this year Tonbridge Lions and the Rotary Club of Tonbridge if they choose.

All ticket income will be going to the production team to support freelancers involved in the show, the EM Forster will not be taking any money from these online sales.

The news comes as the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury announced it was postponing its show until January and the Assembly Hall Theatre in Tunbridge Wells has cancelled its show. The Stag Theatre in Sevenoaks has live streaming dates for its panto.

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