Panto is cancelled for 2020 at Chesterfield Pomegranate Theatre

Beauty and the Beast has been rescheduled for next year. Customers who have booked a ticket will have the option to transfer their tickets to the 2021 production, exchange to a different event, or claim a refund.

Pantomime producer Paul Holman added: “It is with great sadness that we have come to the unprecedented conclusion that we have no other choice but to postpone this year’s production of Beauty and the Beast.

“With the current social distancing regulations still in place we are unable to produce a pantomime on the scale that we would want to. First and foremost, this year we want to make sure that our loyal audiences, cast, crew and theatre staff are all safe.

“Our aim is that the pantomime will be back next year, bigger and better than ever before uniting family and friends once more with a long-awaited dose of fun, laughter and escapism.”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “It is very disappointing that we have had to make this incredibly difficult decision but sadly it is just not possible to hold the large-scale pantomime this year.

“We have explored all options to make it both safe and financially viable but unfortunately it is simply not possible in view of government restrictions.

“I know the pantomime is the highlight of the year for many of our residents and visitors, and it is an annual tradition for many families in and around Chesterfield - we are really sorry that this year’s festive celebrations have to be different.”

Last year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk was performed more than 50 times to a total audience in excess of 26,000 people.

Arts and venues manager Anthony Radford said: “We would like to thank our dedicated customers who have booked tickets for Beauty and the Beast and apologise for any disappointment caused by the postponement.”

Beauty and the Beast will now run from December 3, 2021 to January 2, 2022 at the Pomegranate Theatre.

Both the Pomegranate Theatre and Winding Wheel Theatre remain open for cinema screenings and live events such as the autumn play season and An Evening with Kevin and Joanne Clifton.