THERE will be no pantomime staged at The Brindley Theatre this year because of the threat posed by coronavirus.

Halton Borough Council has confirmed that for the first time in its history, the popular annual show will be postponed due to the uncertainty around the safe reopening of theatres.

Work for the pantomime season normally begins in March and continues throughout the year, and the staging of Aladdin was set to offer fun for all the family.

But because of lockdown and the current rise in cases in the borough, there has not been enough time to prepare this season’s show.

Cllr Phil Harris, the council’s portfolio holder for The Brindley, said: “We are very disappointed that we have had to make this decision to postpone our annual pantomime due to the repercussions of  Covid-19, but we must put first the health and welfare of our audiences, performers and staff.

“Months of essential planning and preparation go into creating our festive pantomime, and we pride ourselves on the quality of the show that we deliver with New Pantomime Productions and the overall experience that we give our audiences.

“In the current climate, and without the assurance that we could fill our theatre and still keep everybody safe, it would also be financially irresponsible for us to proceed any further this year.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Aladdin was staged at The Brindley in 2015

“We would like to thank our loyal customers for their understanding and support over the last few months, and we ask for you to stand with us once again through this, our first Christmas where we can’t be a part of your celebrations.

“We look forward to welcoming you all back to The Brindley Theatre for many more evenings of entertainment, fun and laughter, as soon as it is safe to do so.”

While Aladdin will not be flying his magic carpet above The Brindley stage this year, planning for 2021 is already underway.

In association with New Pantomime Productions, The Brindley says it is excited to stage Cinderella next year and is hopeful that it will be the biggest and best yet.

Customers that have booked Aladdin tickets for this year will be offered an exchange of tickets for Cinderella or a full refund.

The Brindley team will soon be contacting those who have booked with further details.