After celebrating twenty Alhambra Theatre pantomimes last year, the region’s much-loved panto legend Billy Pearce will be back to star as the hilarious Muddles, best friend to Snow White. No stranger to the Alhambra Theatre stage, Billy will once again bring his array of mad-cap comedy, hilarious local references and boundless energy, which have afforded him his reputation as the King of Yorkshire panto.
Joining Billy will be singer, song-writer, dancer, stage actress and Strictly Come Dancing finalist Faye Tozer who stars as The Wicked Queen. Paul Chuckle, best known as one half of the legendary Chuckle Brothers, will play her (not-so) wicked Henchman. Sarah Goggin (Snow White) returns to Bradford this year after her appearance in last year’s Alhambra Theatre pantomime Aladdin; and Yorkshire-born Matthew Croke will make his debut performance on the Alhambra Theatre stage as Prince William of Wakefield.
People attending this Relaxed Performance will enjoy all the magic, sparkle and lavish production values a Qdos Entertainment pantomime offers, with modified elements to suit the sensory and access needs of patrons. It is catered towards people with special needs or those who may otherwise find attending the theatre challenging. Qdos and the Alhambra Theatre are committed to creating an environment that welcomes audiences with specific needs to experience live theatre and the magic of pantomime with their friends, families and school groups.
The production in Bradford will be modified to create a welcoming, less formal atmosphere to help reduce anxiety levels. House lighting is often kept on to allow patrons to feel more comfortable or move about the auditorium; strobes and flashing lights are removed; volume levels are reduced so there are no loud bangs; interaction between the stage and the audience is revised; and some language might be modified. Talking and noise is encouraged in the auditorium without judgement, and spaces are created for patrons to have some time away from the production if they wish.
To make the pantomime performance as accessible as possible the Alhambra Theatre is offering tickets for this Relaxed Performance for a special reduced rate of £13.50.
Adam Renton, General Manager Bradford Theatres comments:
“I’m really pleased we are hosting another Relaxed Performance during the pantomime’s residency with us and we are looking forward to welcoming the widest audience possible to enjoy this festive treat. It is also a wonderful opportunity for families with very small children to experience pantomime for the first time in an environment where noise and movement doesn’t matter, it’s all part of the fun and we encourage it.
After listening to feedback from our customers, families and support organisations in the region, we will once again be providing a designated chill-out area outside the auditorium for people to use if being in the auditorium becomes overwhelming for them. The Relaxed Performance will also include Sign Language Interpretation and everyone booking for this specially tailored performance will be sent a visual story in advance to help them familiarise themselves with the plot, characters and the setting before they arrive at the theatre.
I hope that our inclusive welcome and relaxed atmosphere will give everyone the chance to come and experience pantomime in Bradford this year.”
