Oh Yes It Is! Ipswich Regent Theatre gets behind Panto Online
Ipswich Regent Theatre has announced they will be selling tickets for audiences to watch popular pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, a homemade show filmed and directed by Blue Peter legend Peter Duncan in his own back garden.
When theatres across the UK closed and hundreds of pantomimes were cancelled or postponed as a result of the pandemic, including the Regent’s co-production of Aladdin with Enchanted Entertainment, Duncan who is a critically acclaimed writer, director and panto dame conceived Jack and the Beanstalk as an online alterative to be downloaded and watched by families at home over Christmas.
The film of his socially distanced pantomime has impressed UK cinema chains and received a VIP red carpet premiere earlier this month at the Everyman Cinema in Crystal Palace.
Peter Duncan has said about filming the show: “When I had the initial idea for Panto Online, I naively though we might shoot a traditional panto guerilla-style on mobile phones, but that evolved and was upscaled as I recruited the cast and production team – who were all friends and colleagues I’d worked with before on other projects. I’m thrilled that it gave work to 35 unemployed actors and freelance creatives.”
Cllr Sarah Barber, Portfolio Holder for the Town Centre said: “We’re delighted to have partnered with Panto Online this year to offer our customers a chance to enjoy a Christmas tradition from the comfort and warmth of their homes. In true Blue Peter fashion, I’m looking forward to seeing one Peter Duncan has made earlier”
Visit ipswichtheatres.co.uk to book from Tuesday 15 December, 10am!
Access to watch Jack and the Beanstalk is available daily from Tuesday 15 December 2020 to Saturday 2 January 2021 (excluding Christmas Day).