Snow White succumbs to Covid-19
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The team behind the highly popular Inverurie panto have confirmed that the show will not take place this year.
Speaking to the Advertiser this week, producer Keith Donaldson explained the situation which has led to the cancellation of this year's production of Snow White.
He said: "This year, the moment anyone shows any sign of illness, we would have to send them home – and potentially the whole team working on the show.
"If we lose two or three of the main cast or crew, the shows become impossible to run.
"If the unthinkable were to happen and someone were diagnosed with Covid-19, the entire show would have to be cancelled.
"We simply cannot take that risk.
He continued: "Lawrence Findlay, the Director of Education and Children’s Services at Aberdeenshire Council recently suspended private lets of a significant proportion of council owned and operated property until it is confirmed that they are not required for potential education use.
"The Town Hall falls in to this category and so at present we do not have a guaranteed venue to perform in."
In 1980, His Majesty’s Theatre in Aberdeen closed for refurbishment meaning that there would be no pantomime that year in Aberdeen so a group formed and performed Peter Pan in the Inverurie Town hall and productions have been staged each year since.
In 2001 Trap 4 Limited took over the running of the Inverurie Pantomime and in 2008 the production Trap 4 was purchased by Keith who returned the Panto to its roots of traditional pantomime at the heart of the community.
Since 2008 the show has also acted as a major charity fundraiser for local causes, with recipients chosen by cast members.
Thanks to generous after show bucket collections, the team have raised tens of thousands in support for local charitable causes.
As Keith explained: "The Inverurie Panto is a small, semi-professional business meaning that all our staff and crew have their full time jobs
"We are supported by a large production team of around 90 people.
"Each year there is a considerable financial risk associated with producing a pantomime on this scale, all of which is privately funded.
"To date we’ve had no Government assistance with the significant ongoing running cost of the business, but have put in place a plan to ensure its survival.
"This year our usual annual insurance isn’t available, or the premiums are so expensive that we cannot afford to have them in place.
"This makes the financial risk huge – if we have to halt the production for any reason, or if there is a local lockdown we would incur huge financial loses with no protection.
"Overall, we have concluded that pantomime needs to be enjoyed in a packed auditorium, where the excitement, fun and adventure flow from the stage to the audience. "
He added: "Our shows are high impact full of singing, dancing and comedy which can only really be experienced as part of a live show where the interaction between cast and the audience can be achieved.
"We are, however, considering alternatives should the situation with the Town Hall change in December meaning that we can take advantage of our booking.
"We are also looking at using our production experience in other outdoor Covid safe events during December – watch this space.
"We understand that the renovation works schedules to start in February 2021 have been placed on hold indefinitely and we are hopeful that we can return to the Town Hall with our production in
December 2021.
"In the meantime, on behalf of the entire team, we hope that you and your families keep safe and well.
"Thank you for your understanding – we are heartbroken, but feel it is the correct decision to keep our valued audience members, cast and crew safe in these difficult times."
