RCT panto rescheduled to next year due to Coronavirus

One of the most popular annual events in Rhondda Cynon Taf’s festive season has been pushed back a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

RCT Theatres were due to stage Dick Whittington as its pantomime this year at both the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare, and the Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy, but it has now been rescheduled to Christmas 2021.

RCT Theatres pride themselves on being theatre makers; creating and producing their own panto. They had assembled their fabulous cast, built the set and made the costumes. However, Social Distancing measures which are vital for the wellbeing of cast, audiences and staff mean that staging the panto is impossible this year. They are now working hard to bring their magical panto to life in time to kick start the festive celebrations next year.

Customers who had already booked tickets will be contacted over the coming weeks to arrange either transferring their tickets to a performance next year or taking a full refund.

Sadly, the current situation means that all events planned for the Coliseum Theatre and the Park & Dare Theatre this autumn have all either been cancelled or rescheduled to next year – a full list of rescheduled and cancelled shows is available here https://rct-theatres.co.uk/news/covid-19-update

Councillor Rhys Lewis, Cabinet Member for Stronger Communities, Well-being and Cultural Services, said: “It is with great regret and sadness that we have had to make this decision, however the safety of our customers, staff and performers is of the highest priority.

“Under current guidance including on mass gatherings and social distancing, it will not be possible to present the autumn season as planned. We thank all of our customers and partners for their understanding at this time and assure all that we will be re-opening both our theatres as soon as it is safe to do so.”

It is hoped that the Council’s Cultural Service will be able to introduce alternative ways to entertain people, including during the festive period, encouraging them to get creative and support their physical and mental wellbeing.

Should I ring the Box Office?

No. At the moment, due to the Covid-19 situation, we have a smaller Box Office team than normal. If you have purchased tickets for any of our productions at the Park & Dare Theatre or Coliseum Theatre, we will be getting in touch with you via email or telephone

I have already purchased tickets for a show, what are my options? When we get in touch you’ll be given the following options:

· Transferring your current tickets to the same seats for the equivalent performance next year

· A full refund back to your payment card

Why has this year’s pantomime been cancelled already?

We are following Welsh Government guidance and advice in relation to mass gatherings and social distancing. The health and safety of all our customers, theatre staff, production staff and performers is paramount at this time.

Will there be alternative entertainment taking place?

We are currently looking at alternative options and will provide updates as we go along