South Shields theatre company ‘bouncing back’ with summer pantomime season

Walton-Gunn Productions has revealed details of its 2021/22 pantomime season, starting in the summer, rather than the traditional Christmas window.

There will be a panto for adults later in June, followed by a family-friendly traditional production in August.

After surviving an unprecedented period for the entertainment industry, the company says it hopes to be stronger than ever and provide some much-needed entertainment.

“Our industry, like many, has been tested like never before,” Walton-Gunn producer, Stacy Walton, said.

"We have been so lucky to survive and bounce back, getting to bring theatre back and employ actors once again.

"That has only been possible because of the support of theatre goers, not arts funding, not Government funding – just the love and need for entertainment from those that love what theatre has to offer.”

In August, the group is set to begin work on a ‘Sleeping Beauty’ production – its largest to date – featuring a selection of the North East’s top pantomime stars, dancers and Walton-Gunn’s own performing arts students.

Following that will be an October Halloween production, ‘Wendy The Witch & The Phantom Panto Party’.

Then, the springtime ‘Bearly Easter’ stage show will aim to entertain families in April 2022, concluding the company’s pantomime season.

“We are so pleased to celebrate being back, with a fan favourite like Sleeping Beauty,” Ms Walton added.

"However, having our home grown ‘Peter and Wendy’ pantos return is so, so special to us. We hope to enjoy every production with our supportive theatre family - not just this year, but for many more to come.”

Besides this, the group says it is raising funds for a non-profit group set up in memory of two South Tyneside teenagers who were killed in the 2017 Manchester Arena attack.

“This will be a huge step for us as a company and an industry, something that we want to celebrate with our audiences,” the show’s writer and director, Wayne Miller, said.

"Not only that, but give back a little, by supporting a trust that was created to help dreams come true for young performers.

"Those who are wanting to be part of the theatre and entertainment industry. We will be raising money for the Chloe & Liam Together Forever Trust in June, with bucket collections and raffles.”

Tickets will be available from: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/walton-gunn

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