Berwick Kaler, York Theatre Royal staff and the team from first time sponsors Benenden greeted queues as loyal fans turned out to buy the best seats in the newly redeveloped auditorium.
Tickets for York Theatre Royal’s much-loved annual panto went on sale on Tuesday 1 March. Cinderella will be Berwick Kaler’s 38th consecutive year as dame when the production returns to York Theatre Royal’s main stage following a £6million redevelopment project. Not only is Berwick the UK’s longest-serving pantomime dame; he also writes and co-directs the production, which runs from Thursday 8 December 2016 – Saturday 28 January 2017.
Berwick Kaler said of Cinderella:
“It’s everyone’s favourite and it just seems fitting to celebrate the newly restored theatre with a title that has all the ingredients for magnificent sets and costumes, pathos, slapstick, inventive lunacy. For me personally this title is a bit of a downer – there is no role for a dame! So expect the unthinkable, I may well end up playing Cinderella!”
Damian Cruden, Artistic Director at York Theatre Royal said:
“Delighted to be back in the building but is she still here? Only kidding – can’t wait to do Cinderella with one of the best ‘uglies’ in the business!”
The legendary pantomime is a York institution which has a loyal, dedicated fan base which stretches back through several generations of local families. Tickets for certain productions are very much sought-after, and some die-hard fans chose to sleep overnight to guarantee their favourite seats.
As in previous years, Berwick and the York Theatre Royal team were on hand to lift the spirits of the people in the queue and hand out tea and coffee. This year, they were joined by the team from York-based organisation Benenden, who are proudly sponsoring the pantomime for the very first time. Benenden is a mutual society which has been providing health and wellbeing services since 1905.
Lawrence Christensen, Group Marketing Director at Benenden, said:
“Pantomimes across the UK are a well-established tradition, with York Theatre Royal’s own long-running production garnering a deserved reputation for high quality and great fun. An annual trip to the panto is a source of delight for all the family and plays a valuable part in boosting wellbeing and building community. York Theatre Royal has always been impressive with its links into the community and this resonated with Benenden who have a strong track record of its own when it comes to local involvement. We’re proud to support the theatre for this year’s production of Cinderella and look forward to seeing Berwick Kaler’s 38th consecutive outing.”
Tickets for Cinderella are on sale now priced £14 – £33.50 (£1.50 transaction fee per booking) in person at the Box Office, by phone on 01904 623568 or securely online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk.
In conjuction with York Theatre Royal we have a family ticket for 2 adults and 2 children to win for any 7.30pm performance from Thursday 8 – Thursday 15 December (excludes Sat 10 December).
To enter go to the competition page
