York Theatre Royal pantomime goes uber local

As venues are still locked down York Theatre Royal is taking its pantomime around all of the historic city’s 21 wards during December and January

The Travelling Pantomime’s pop-up show will be staged in non-traditional locations from community halls to social clubs and sports centres with all venues and performances adhering to current government guidance on COVID-19.

In an unusual twist audiences will have a say in which of three of the most popular pantomime titles they want to see – Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk or Aladdin. Award-winning pantomime writer Paul Hendy is writing three scripts with the actors performing whichever show the audience choose on the night.

The Travelling Pantomime will feature a cast of local actors, including entertainer and magician Josh Benson, whose first professional appearance was in a York Theatre Royal pantomime as a youngster.

The show will be directed by York Theatre Royal’s Associate Director Juliet Forster. Tickets for The Travelling Pantomime will go on sale in November.