Coronavirus: Guildford's Yvonne Arnaud cancels panto due to Covid restrictions

Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre is cancelling its panto this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Robin Hood had been scheduled to run from December 4 to January 3, 2021.

A statement from the Yvonne Arnaud said that it made the decision to cancel the production because "large casts, live music and dancing are not possible within the current guidelines, even if small numbers of actors can perform".

The venue also raised concerns about audience confidence in returning to the theatre and said that if the show was forced to close due to performer illness it would be "catastrophic".

Joanna Read, director and chief executive said: "I am deeply sad at having to make this decision.

"The Yvonne Arnaud pantomime is one of the highlights of Christmas in Surrey, and I was so looking forward to directing and producing Robin Hood.

"I know that, for so many families, like my own, it plays a central part in their Christmas celebrations, often across the generations."