Newsroom Archive

It's panto season at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place and the first few weeks usually sees the theatre filled with school children from across the borough in to see the show.

Unfortunately due to heavy snow over the weekend, schools had closed meaning their yearly trip to the pantomime had to be cancelled. 

The staff, cast and production crew arrived as normal on Monday morning with the dilemma of performing to no audience. In response the Council decided to offer the day's shows at no cost to anyone who could walk or travel safely to the theatre.

All that was asked for was a donation to the Mayor's Charity, the Severn Hospice.

Around 300 people were there at very short notice in the morning and there were queues of people for the afternoon show which saw the auditorium full. 

The donations raised £1275 and everyone had a fabulous time at a show that could otherwise have been empty.

Mayor Stephen Reynolds said: "It was a great example of everyone coming together and thanks to the quick-thinking of the theatre team, we managed to turn a potentially empty auditorium into one full of laughter and warmth on a very cold day. We also raised some money for a very good cause.

"The feedback has been amazing with every performance being enjoyed and the families were incredibly grateful for the opportunity to come and support their local theatre and cast of Peter Pan." 

With most schools closed again on Tuesday [12 December] due to the weather, the theatre is also offering discounted tickets for their Tuesday shows.  Tickets are just £11 or a rear tier is £10. This is a special school discounted price to give parents and others the opportunity to come along if their own trips have been cancelled due to the snow. 

Bookings can be made online or via the Box Office 01952 382382