South Shields socially distanced pantomime to be live streamed for care home residents across the country - and even as far as Australia

A socially distanced panto is set to be beamed from South Tyneside to care homes across the UK – and even as far as Australia.
Hedworth Hall, South Shields, where the pantomime will be stagedHedworth Hall, South Shields, where the pantomime will be staged
Hedworth Hall, South Shields, where the pantomime will be staged

With most other pantos cancelled, shows quickly sold out. But organisers were keen to think of ways they could include people who may not be able to attend the shows, such as care home residents.

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The team then came up with the idea to live stream one of the shows on Youtube free of charge for residents, and saw a huge reaction of care homes across the country expressing their interest – and even had contact from Sydney, Australia.

Director of the panto, Adam AllinsonDirector of the panto, Adam Allinson
Director of the panto, Adam Allinson

Director of the show, Adam Allinson, said: “We put the idea out there and it has really taken off. Care homes have had a terrible year and people have been shocked we offered this to them.

"The reaction has been phenomenal, we’ve had individual care homes and head offices who deal with hundreds of care homes across the country getting in touch asking for details.

“The show is going be live streamed across the country in Glasgow, Leeds, Bradford, Bristol, Devon, Cornwall and of course South Tyneside. We also had a head office based in Sydney, Australia who said they want to stream the show to their 22 homes in New South Wales.”

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Due to the new national lockdown, shows have been pushed back from the beginning of December to the 17-20 in order to give the cast time to rehearse.

Performances will adhere to all social distancing guidelines and seating will be in social bubbles.

After the live stream, the video will be made available on Youtube for care home residents and families to enjoy on demand over Christmas.

Organisers have also announced two additional shows to take place, spreading even more festive cheer in a safe, covid-secure environment.

To book tickets to remaining shows visit this link and any care home interested in streaming the event to residents should contact [email protected] or call 07984 890664.