The lights dim. The curtains draw open. The magic of the pantomime begins. But not this Christmas. For just the third time in its extensive 110-year history, the New Wimbledon Theatre’s annual Christmas pantomime will not be running this festive season. 

New Wimbledon Theatre, among other things, is known for its pantomimes. Over the years, it has seen many famous stars grace its stage such as: Dame June Whitfield, Cilla Black, Paul O’Grady and Matthew Kelly, to name a few, as well as, in recent years, some American stars too – David Hasselhoff, Priscilla Presley, Jerry Springer and more. Where exciting audience interaction, trending songs and mischievous humour meet the beloved pantomime storylines, it has forever succeeded in catering for the broadest of age ranges and audiences. And as with the style of pantomime, there is always a little something for everyone, so it is no surprise it has come to be the staple of so many Christmas routines and rituals.

Local group, The Founder Friends of New Wimbledon Theatre, (who were originally formed to save the theatre from extinction in 1968) are active theatre goers, organising monthly outings for their members to a number of venues while continuing to support the New Wimbledon. As for others, this pantomime has become one of the major events in their calendar. Membership Secretary, Joyce Clay, shared that the impact of its cancellation, and the cancellation of many West End productions, has been tough. ‘For a lot of the group it’s their lifeline, meeting people, getting out and seeing theatre shows,’ she explained. ‘We are looking forward to hopefully returning to some normality in 2021.’

However, often billed as the Home of London Pantomimes, it is not just the local people who attend and may be impacted. Every year the theatre holds over 50,000 pantomime attendees, collecting visitors from all over. Mark Galloway, Chairman of the FFNWT, said, ‘As we are so near to the West End, the audiences come from far and wide to see the pantomimes.’

And on the other side of the stage, what about the actors themselves? Since the nationwide lockdown back in March, theatre and production companies have been forced to cancel or cut back shows and rehearsals. What impact has this had on the vast community of performers? 

Seven-time pantomime actress Sarah Vaughan, who has played the leading female in theatres across the country, described what pantomimes mean to her. ‘It’s the magic for the children because they really believe.’ She revealed her favourite parts of performing, ‘There is a lot of audience interaction and when you can see the kids’ faces reacting to what’s going on, on stage, it’s amazing!’ And with shows only going ahead in a select few places such as Birmingham and the National Theatre (though socially distanced and for a shorter run) it is not hard to see the sheer number of people and communities affected by the number of saddening cancellations.

It appears next year might be the only hope for local and West End sites in the battle against Covid-19 restrictions. According to New Wimbledon Theatre’s social media feed, it seems the earliest productions are scheduled for March and April, including Christmas pantomime Dick Whittington postponing its opening night to Saturday the 4th of December 2021. But, as countless theatre-lovers would agree, the performances could not come any sooner.

In the words of Joyce and the FFNWT themselves, ‘If we get an opportunity of attending the opening night of Dick Whittington next year, try stopping us!’