Panto is back in Chelmsford Theatres

Chelmsford's Civic Theatre pantomime Beauty and the Beast is underway as the cast and crew prepare for opening night on Friday, 26 November. To book tickets, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres, call 01245 606505, or visit the box office in person at Civic Theatre, Fairfield Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1JG.

Chelmsford City Council's Deputy Leader, Lib Dem Cllr Marie Goldman said, "Panto is an important experience for so many of us, connecting families and friends at Christmas and giving our youngest audience members a joyful first taste of live theatre and the arts. The success of these popular shows can also help to set theatres up for a good year and it's a huge relief to see a normal run this winter."

The annual pantomime is the biggest event in Chelmsford City Council's theatres' calendar and this year the Civic is looking forward to a return to normal after the disruption caused by the pandemic in 2020.

It's the first time the theatres and their panto co-producers 'One From The Heart' have ever staged Beauty and the Beast. The production is a re-telling of the traditional French story of brave Belle and a selfish prince who has been transformed into a beast as a punishment for his unkind ways. Fans of the classic story will love this new interpretation, which has key characters with a very panto twist.

Each theatre has its own distinctive way of doing panto and Chelmsford Theatres' Christmas shows are well known for being witty and uplifting productions which rely on the power of a great ensemble rather than a single big-name star.

This year is no different, and the perfectly formed cast and crew have roof-raising songs, dynamic dance numbers and magical sets to transport audiences straight to the enchanted castle.

Performances started on Friday 26 November and tickets are selling fast. The Panto runs until Monday 3 January 2022 with a relaxed performance on Thursday 30 December at 2pm.