Eden Court in Inverness cancels pantomime
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Eden Court will not be staging its annual Christmas pantomime this year.
It's a bitter financial blow for the Inverness venue as the festive show generates at least a third of its entire annual income.
James Mackenzie-Blackman, Eden Court's chief executive, stated the importance of the decision had weighed heavily on his shoulders for many months.
He said: "After careful consideration and in light of the guidelines issued by the Scottish Government it is with enormous regret that we must announce the postponement of our 2020 pantomime, Cinderella.
"We have thought long and hard about what makes our annual pantomime so special and how we can deliver it.
"At its core, panto is a communal experience.
"What we are unable to deliver this year is that very special feeling of being in a busy auditorium full of families, sharing laughs and interacting with the brilliant performers on stage.
"However, we are fully committed to delivering that experience once again in 2021 and cannot wait to share it with people."
Last year’s panto, Beauty and the Beast, was Eden Court’s most successful ever, bringing over 36,000 people to the venue during the course of its 51 performances.
Mr Mackenzie-Blackman continued: "The issues raised by the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in the single greatest challenge for Eden Court in our 44-year history.
"We would like to thank our customers and the wider public for their continued support and good wishes throughout this period.
"Many have asked how they can help the theatre at this time.
"Anyone who feels able to do so can donate directly to us on our website, or by joining Eden Court Friends, becoming a patron or entering our monthly prize draw for a chance of winning £500."
Members of the public who have booked tickets to Cinderella will hear from Eden Court staff in due course.
Tickets will be valid for Cinderella 2021/22 at a rescheduled date, with the same seats.
Anyone unable to attend can claim either a gift voucher or full refund.
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