Camelot Group is helping Qdos Entertainment, the UK’s biggest pantomime producer, battle the effects of the coronavirus by purchasing seats at the London Palladium this pantomime season that will remain unused to comply with social distancing protocol.
The National Lottery will buy seats at the Palladium that need to remain empty so that the theatre complies with relevant government and public health guidelines when it stages Pantoland from December 12 to January 3.
Camelot is also working with Qdos to extend this scheme to other venues across the UK to help make pantomime this year a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Qdos had been planning to stage 34 shows at UK venues over the Christmas period, but many of its pantomimes have been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Described as ‘Operation Sleeping Beauty’, the Chief Executive of National Lottery operator Camelot, Nigel Railton, told BBC News that there would be “challenges” with the initiative, but it’s “undoubtedly worth a try”.
Michael Harrison, the Managing Director of Qdos, said the scheme will be “a lifeline” to venues and will give “tens of thousands of theatregoers… some very much-needed theatrical magic”.
Culture secretary Oliver Dowden added the initiative will help “get some panto back on this Christmas” during these challenging times.
Up to 250,000 tickets are expected to be available, with more than 20,000 free tickets going to National Lottery players.
