Astor Theatre in Kent announces 2023 pantomime plans

The Astor Theatre in Deal, Kent, has announced that it will be presenting the first home-produced pantomime in many years, Red Riding Hood, from 21 December 2023 to 6 January 2024.

Written and directed by local resident and Astor board member Mig Kimpton, the production will feature local talent, with casting and further creative team members to be announced in the summer.

Kimpton said: “I am delighted to be involved with my local theatre and I am looking forward to creating a pantomime especially for Deal and all its residents. It is imperative for a venue to produce a good family show at Christmas full of magic, songs and of course some good gags.”

The theatre is solely self-funded, managed by the volunteer boards of Deal Arts Management CIC and the charity Astor Theatre Arts Trust.

Chair of the Astor Board, Seamus McGibbon, expressed his excitement, saying: “We are all so excited here at The Astor that our theatre by the sea is hosting this fantastic new pantomime Red Riding Hood. The Astor has always been the creative crown jewel of the town, well loved by so many across the region. We have lots of new plans for the coming year, and what better way to kick start them than with an amazing family Christmas Show.”

Tickets for the show are on sale now.