The Customs House confirms it will be putting on a festive show after 2020 pantomime postponed

After months of uncertainty during the coronavirus pandemic, the Customs House has confirmed that it will be hosting live performances of festive show, Arbuthnot and Dame Bella’s Christmas Adventure.

Written by Davey Hopper and Jen Stevens, the show is an original Christmas musical adventure for families.

The performance will run at the theatre and arts centre in Mill Dam, South Shields, from December 11 to 24, and will also be made into a DVD so families can watch from home.

It will star Customs House executive director Ray Spencer as Dame Bella and Davey Hopper as Bella’s hapless son Arbuthnot, as well as a whole host of festive characters including Santa himself.

It comes after the theatre had to postpone this year’s pantomime Rapunzel as a result of the pandemic.

He said: “We are delighted that we can announce to you that we will present a Christmas show at The Customs House this year.

“Clearly the safety of our customers, staff and performers remain our paramount concern.

“We can’t do a lavish production this year, as we simply can’t recoup the investment with less shows and restricted audience numbers.

"The show will be significantly different from our usual offer.”

This year the show will not be able to feature any juvenile dancers from South Tyneside Dance Workshop or hold any school performances.

There will be no interval and the show will last approximately 75mins. It will run for less than two weeks with just 25 performances.

Capacity in the theatre has been reduced to allow social distancing in households or support bubbles of up to six in order to comply with Government guidelines.

Ray Spencer added: “However, what there will be is an entirely original score and script written by Davey Hopper and Jen Stevens, a joyous show with wonderful music which contains many of the usual elements of pantomime.”

The venue’s bar and restaurant remains closed, but refreshments can be ordered to be delivered directly to seats.

Tickets from £15 go on sale to Friends of The Customs House with priority booking from 10am on Monday, November 2, until 6pm on November 3, after which tickets will go on general sale.

For tickets visit: www.customshouse.co.uk.

You can subscribe to this website and enjoy unlimited access to local news, information and puzzles online.

With a digital subscription, you can read more than five articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Simply click ‘Subscribe’ in the menu.