Christmas panto axes bangs, strobe lights and has 'chill out room'

A theatre has been branded 'woke' for putting on a Christmas pantomime without any of the usual festive fanfare.

This year, Richmond Theatre's production of Beauty and the Beast, starring Coronation Street's Dame Maureen Lipman, is putting on a show with a difference.

Show bosses have banned the usual crash, bang and wallop audiences expect from their beloved Christmas pantos.

In fact, there will be no loud noises at all, the lights will stay on for the show's entirety and there will even be a 'chill out room' for audiences if things get 'a bit too much'.

Richmond Theatre introduced the measure because 'we understand that for some people a trip to the theatre can be scary and overwhelming.'

A statement said: 'On January 2, we're going to have a relaxed performance because we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the magic pantomime.'

But the move has sparked backlash, with locals accusing the 125-year-old theatre of 'going woke'.

Corrie star Dame Lipman, 78, who will play Mrs Potty, said the show would be relaxed so that 'everyone is able to enjoy the magic of pantomime.'

Comedy magician Peter Firman, 44, who stars as Silly Bill, added: 'We understand that for some people a trip to the theatre can be scary and overwhelming.

To ensure a 'relaxed' atmosphere, theatre bosses will lower the sound and remove any loud bangs, flashes and strobe lighting, Jason Leigh Winter who plays Flash Harry said.

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'Particularly scary sections' are also being removed, he added with 'low level' lighting to remain on in the auditorium for the duration of the performance.

Paying customers will also be able to familiarise themselves with the venue before attending so they get used to its surroundings. 

Attendees will also be able to stand up and move around the audition 'with no judgement', and there will be access to a 'special chill out room' if the show becomes 'a bit too much', Ben Stock, who is playing Dame Betty Bouffant said. 

Ticket prices for the event range from £13 up to £72, with the normal performances ranging from £13 to £76.50. 

Reacting to the news on social media, Connor Murphy said 'this country has truly gone down the s******', while another branded it 'absurd'.

Another user said it was 'quite patronising' before adding: 'Not everyone who struggles with coming to the theatre is five-years-old.'

A fifth person said: 'Isn't the point of this type of theatre to illicit strong and interactive emotions in the audience though? Or can it be adapted.'

Others said having the lights on was counter-productive and would be more 'annoying and over-stimulating than a normal performance.'

But it was not universally hated, with some jumping to defend the 'great idea'. 

They said: 'I've always wanted to take my son to a pantomime but know he would be too scared and overwhelmed with the loud noises.'

Gunner Deatherage added: 'This is so thoughtful', while another stated: 'This is so kind.'