It is with great sadness that Oxford Playhouse has announced that this year’s pantomime. Robin Hood can unfortunately no longer go ahead, due to the ongoing restrictions around live performance during the Covid-19 crisis.

The Playhouse recognises that this news will be disappointing for its loyal panto audiences, and would like to thank them all for their ongoing support.

Louise Chantal and Vanessa Lefrancois, Joint Directors and CEOs, Oxford Playhouse commented: “Panto at the Playhouse is a tradition for thousands of families in Oxford, which is why we have delayed making this incredibly hard decision till as late as possible. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 crisis is not improving enough for us to risk producing the pantomime when we might face a lockdown or new opening restrictions at any time. While Robin Hood will not be swashbuckling his way through the forest this year, we are determined that Christmas will still happen at the Playhouse, with lots of creative opportunities available online.”

All Robin Hood panto bookers have been notified either by phone or email. Oxford Playhouse is humbly asking its panto bookers to consider either crediting their booking to next year’s pantomime or donating the cost of their tickets to the Playhouse Plays On Appeal, to help the theatre survive these extraordinary times.  For those not in a position to do so, full refunds will also be available.

Whilst this year’s pantomime is not able to go ahead, Oxford Playhouse has produced an exciting Autumn 2020 Meanwhile Season, a programme of work that embraces live, socially distanced shows, live streaming, digital commissions, great talks and family theatre, along with a full participation programme for everyone to get involved and stay connected during these uncertain times.  A digital brochure and booking for all events are now available at www.oxfordplayhouse.com