Lights Out in Yorkshire’s Panto’s Tonight
Two theatres in Yorkshire are cancelling shows tonight due to adverse weather conditions. Sheffield and Bradford Theatres have both decided to call off their pantomimes in light of the bad weather.
As BBC Weather Online tonight announces a “big freeze is set to continue across Europe and the UK”, it comes as no surprise that two theatres are cancelling their performances.
Sheffield Theatres is cancelling tonight’s performance of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves at the Lyceum Theatre because of “adverse weather conditions”. A press release from the theatre reports, “There has been a power failure at the Lyceum and unfortunately telephone lines are still not working.” It further apologises for any “inconvenience” caused by the cancellation.
Sheffield Theatre’s Senior Media Officer Philip Strafford adds, “It’s the snow that’s unfortunately been the cause of tonight’s cancellation. We have informed as many audience members as possible by phone, and offered them a refund, or the option to change to another night, although the short run of the pantomime means that this is limited.”
The last time that Sheffield Theatres cancelled a performance, which Strafford says is a “very rare” occurrence, was in 2008, “due to the Iron Curtain not coming down in the interval”.
Theatre-goers need not worry about losing out on the cost of their tickets however, as the statement goes on to say that Sheffield Theatres will be contacting all audience members “within due course to arrange a full refund.”
The problems appear to be city-wide in Sheffield, as Strafford reveals, “Major live venues across Sheffield are closed tonight as well, including the City Hall and Sheffield Arenas.”
Bradford Theatres is also cancelling tonight’s pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk at the Alhambra Theatre, because of poor weather forecasts for the region. A press release from Bradford Theatres reveals, “the Box Office will be contacting tonight’s ticket holders with alternative performance dates.”
Defying the weather, the show must go on for productions at Hull Truck, Stephen Joseph Theatre and Harrogate Theatre, which have confirmed performances tonight are continuing.
– Vicky Ellis
