Liverpool's popular Empire Theatre has confirmed there'll be no pantomime again this Christmas, with a festive musical taking place instead.
A theatre trip to watch the pantomime is part of many families' festive calendars but in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the entertainment industry was hit hard.
The city's thriving arts scene became quiet and darkness fell upon iconic venues like the Empire, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, the Everyman, the Playhouse and more, with the vast majority of performances, events and shows cancelled.
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Annual productions like the pantomime had to be scrapped until normality resumed and restrictions eased. Slowly, the theatre world has bounced back with exciting new programmes of entertainment but, while some venues were able to resume the traditional pantomime for a brief spell in time for Christmas 2021, the Empire didn't.
And there'll be no pantomime this Christmas, either.
Instead, the Empire will play host to classic musical, White Christmas. Based on the 1954 film of the same name, the magical show includes music and lyrics by Irving Berlin.
Direct from the West End, the spell-binding show will be sure to capture the festive spirit when it comes to Liverpool on Tuesday, December 6, where it will remain until Saturday, December 31 2022. Tickets are on sale now.
Detailing the decision to choose a traditional festive musical this Christmas instead of a pantomime, Diane Belding, theatre director at Liverpool Empire Theatre told the ECHO: "We’re delighted to have secured dates for the West End hit show White Christmas, playing the Liverpool Empire from 6th to 31st December 2022.
"The theatre has a long association with world class musicals, and has programmed many over the festive period in the past. White Christmas is a traditional, feel-good Christmas story and a firm favourite with theatre fans.
"Also programmed is Shrek the Musical, presented by BOST Musicals, playing the Empire from 1st to 3rd December that will add even more variety of festive offerings to the city."
You can buy tickets for White Christmas at the Liverpool Empire by clicking here.
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