Rapunzel – the ‘Tangled’ Panto at The Drill is Lincoln’s cheapest panto this Christmas.
A family ticket for two adults and two children is a full £22 cheaper than any other panto in the city, offering all the fun of a fabled family favourite for less.
Craig Morrow, theatre manager at The Drill, said: “Despite Grimm Tales of the cost of living, the panto offers everyone a very Hairy Christmas. We’re proud to say that this is Lincoln’s cheapest, most affordable pantomime this year.
“This was particularly important to us because we’re proud to be an affordable inclusive venue open to all. We know how tough this winter might be for many families and so although ticket prices are low, the quality is every bit as high as you’d expect from our legendary Christmas pantos; and with a cheap and cheerful pre-show food offer, Christmas at The Drill is a treat you can afford!
“Let your hair down for less! We hope that friends and families from all over Lincoln and the region will join us in cheering ‘OH, YES IT IS (cheaper).’”
Staged by Jamie Marcus Productions, the family favourite pantomime will launch on Friday 9th December, running through to Monday 2nd January for a total of 51 energetic shows, including schools performances and shows that are socially distanced, signed or relaxed for audiences of different abilities.
Sarah Edwards, production assistant & associate producer at Jamie Marcus Productions, said: “Last year, we were absolutely delighted with the reaction and the warm welcome we received from Lincoln audiences as not only the first post-Covid panto, but also the first production at the newly re-opened The Drill.
“The show was given such a rapturous response at every performance, which repaid all our hard work and preparation in producing a panto again within the restrictions of social distancing and daily testing for the entire cast and crew.
“Panto is a fairy tale brought to life so it’s inherently creative and imaginative, whether you’re thinking about how to write characters that are true to the story yet recognisable to today’s audiences, or designing the sets and costumes and how they’ll work on stage, or which magical special effect will best achieve the ‘wow’ factor.
“It’s a wholly collaborative process, and JMP Ltd is fortunate to work with such a talented team of experts in their field who all invest their time and skill in every aspect of the production to make it an experience that audiences will talk about all year round.”
Based on the original german folk tale published by Brothers Grimm in 1812 and famously adapted for the Disney animated feature ‘Tangled’, the seasonal pantomime will be full of fun and follicular frolics, including well-known songs, slapstick routines and, of course, a hilarious dame.
Back by popular demand, James Campbell is taking on the role of the local tavern owner and baker extraordinaire, ‘Dame Betty Belinda Buttercake.’ James will also be directing the show this year, making this a landmark performance for the theatre veteran who has entertained audiences at The Drill for 10 years.
Director and dame, James Campell said: “I’m delighted to be returning to Lincoln for my 10th panto at The Drill. I’m also thrilled to be directing this year as well, taking over from the fabulous Julie Fox. Audiences can expect the usual mix of magical storytelling, fabulous dance routines, great songs, and of course, plenty of laugh-out-loud comedy!”
Phoebe Bruerton will play the titular Rapunzel, accompanied by Scott Goncalves as the smouldering Finn Riley. Craig Garner and Jordan Shield will star as The Scabbington Twins, who play Mother Gothel’s (Emma Clare) hapless henchman. Audiences may recognise Craig from his performances in blockbuster films as ‘Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows,’ ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens,’ ‘Pokemon,’ and ‘Snow White & The Huntsman.’
Tickets are available from just £17 for wheelchair users and children under 16 or £21 for adults. Family tickets (two adults and two children) start at just £68 at regular performances, with the £8 discount being applied automatically upon checkout. Groups of 10+ also benefit from a 10% discount when booked together.
For those looking to book a BSL-interpreted showing, please book for Saturday 10th December at 2pm or Tuesday 27th December at 2pm. The latter will also be a relaxed performance, suited to (but not limited to) people with autistic spectrum conditions, people living with dementia, parents with very young children on their first trip to the theatre, anyone with sensory and communication disorders, or people with learning disabilities.
For those looking for something to nibble before (and during) the show this year, The Drill is offering soup bowls and grab-’n’-go hot festive rolls, as well as delicious festive treat boxes filled with mince pies, cookies and cakes, on top of the usual mix of chocolates, sweets and ice cream.
Image credit: Roddy McMillan
