Much-loved panto missing from Belgrade line-up

The much-loved Belgrade panto is off for this year, a victim of the pandemic. The Coventry theatre has announced that Beauty and the Beast has been postponed to 2021.

The theatre’s artistic director Hamish Glen said: “We’re obviously disappointed to have had to make this decision. The good news is that we have already rescheduled Beauty and the Beast for 2021 and we’re grateful for the continued understanding, loyalty and support of our audiences.”

Despite the disappointment, the Belgrade has got a busy October ahead with a series of socially distanced indoor and outdoor shows in the pipeline for the autumn and winter.

Among the planned events is an outdoor show which features digital projection and live performance, Dr Blood’s Old Travelling Show. In what's billed as a thrilling show, three shadowy figures steal into town - and stories of wickedness and dark deeds start to unfold.

It’s on Friday and Saturday, October 23 and 24, at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. The show lasts for 30 minutes, but you need to arrive 30 minutes early to allow for safety checks. It’s in the open in Belgrade Square, so dress appropriately. Tickets are £5 and the show is recommended for 14s and over.

Also on Friday, October 23, if you feel in need of a laugh, there’s COBO Comedy Shutdown, a Black History Month special. It’s at 7pm on the main stage, tickets from £19.50. Check on the social distancing rules by going to the Belgrade website, details below.

Among the other shows coming up are:

The Snail and the Whale, live-screened re-imagining of a classic book for the whole family to enjoy, Wednesday, October 28.

The Cat and the Canary, the classic thriller, on Tuesday, November 3, to Saturday, November 4.

Abba Mania, Friday, January 22.

Sing-a-Long-a-The Greatest Showman, Saturday, January 23 (7.30pm).

Sing-a-Long-a -Rocky Horror Picture Show, Saturday, January 23 (2.30pm).

The Why? Event, Friday, March 12.

Calling Planet Earth, Friday, July 17.

For full details of the shows and the social-distancing rules, go to: https://www.belgrade.co.uk

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