Gravesend panto to go ahead this Christmas at The Woodville but Dartford's Orchard Theatre show is cancelled

It's a tale of two pantos in north Kent - with one production forced to postpone until next year whilst a neighbouring theatre has said the show will go on.

The Orchard Theatre in Home Gardens, Dartford, has announced Jack and the Beanstalk this Christmas starring Christopher Biggins has had to be moved to next year.

It will now take place between December 11, 2021, and January 2, 2022.

But on the same day neighbouring Gravesham theatre The Woodville said producers Wicked Productions had come up with a 'special socially distanced' show for families.

Originally billed was Aladdin which has now been postponed until 2021. This year's performance is now Rapunzel – the tale of a girl who is locked inside a tower in the middle of the woods – in a bid to make social distancing easier.

Wicked Productions chief Tom Swift has been working hard on finding the balance of bringing festive cheer and remaining safe.

He said: “We have managed to create a show which keeps audiences, theatre people and everyone on stage and backstage safe.

"In fact, it has allowed us to introduce hilarious elements into the production because of the need to maintain the romance despite the restrictions.

Over in Dartford, the theatre said it was left with little choice but to postpone until next year.

It said: "After much discussion we're sad to announce that our pantomime has been postponed until 2021.

"All tickets and reservations will be transferred to an equivalent performance, at the same price and in the same seats."

It also added how all performances will continue to be suspended until the end of January.

It said: "We have explored all options to continue with our autumn programme, but unfortunately it is just not viable to present full shows - with all that involves - while social distancing measures remain un place.

"The Culture Secretary's announcement that a relaxation will not be considered until November at the earliest has reluctantly led us to this decision."

Kent's biggest Christmas pantomime, held at The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury, made the decision to cancel their show earlier this month. Pantomimes in Tunbridge Wells and Chatham are also cancelled but a socially-distanced show is in the planning in Sevenoaks.

For more details about booking tickets to the Rapunzel in Gravesend click here.

Among the Christmas events going ahead this year is the Christmas lights trail at Bedgebury. Read more about that here.