Christmas panto going ahead, but UK shows postponed

This year's Christmas pantomime at the Gaiety Theatre will be going ahead.

Government has confirmed UK-based Shone Productions Ltd, which has a three year contract for the annual occasion, will use an all-Island cast which will be directed virtually.

Officials add the current border restrictions mean off-Island actors and producers aren't able to come to the Island, and so an agreement has been reached that will see the Isle of Man Government extend their contract by one year to include the 2022 festive season.

It's also been announced the changes mean this year's panto will be Sleeping Beauty instead of Snow White and there will be four fewer shows in total.

Meanwhile, it's been confirmed shows from the UK and beyond originally planned at the venue this autumn and winter will not be given exemption certificates to head to Manx shores due to the current border restrictions.

The VillaGaiety team is now working to reschedule the affected shows to new dates in 2021 - all locally produced performances will still go ahead as planned.