THIS year's pantomime at Bradford's Alhambra Theatre has been called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The festive production of Sleeping Beauty which was due to run from December 12 to January 24 has been rescheduled.

Sleeping Beauty will now be at the Alhambra from Saturday, December 11, 2021, to Sunday, January 16, 2022.

In a statement Bradford Theatres, in conjunction with Qdos Entertainment, decided to put off the show "with great sadness" due to recent government advice on Covid-19 and to protect the health and wellbeing of audiences, cast and crew.

Adam Renton, general manager of Bradford Theatres, said: “I know that the region’s audiences have huge affection for the Alhambra Theatre’s festive production and our decision to postpone Sleeping Beauty will undoubtedly be a great disappointment to everyone, as it is to me.

"The decision has been a very difficult one and was not taken lightly. I have had lengthy conversations with Qdos Entertainment who produce our annual pantomime and we have looked at it very carefully from so many different angles. However we are left with no choice but to postpone Sleeping Beauty to next year.

"We look forward to welcoming audiences back to enjoy the magic of Sleeping Beauty with Billy Pearce at the helm in December 2021. Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time.”

Ticketholders will automatically be issued a new performance date for the new pantomime run. They are advised to go to https://www.bradford-theatres.co.uk/uploads/files/Bradford-PerformanceSwap.pdf to see this adjustment in a schedule format.

The same seats originally booked will be transferred to the new dates on a like for like basis where possible e.g. if you hold tickets for the opening Saturday matinee you will be moved to the new opening Saturday matinee. However, as the new schedule has slightly fewer performances, some customers will need to be moved to an appropriate equivalent date, time and seating area.

Bradford Theatres say they are currently working to re-issue Print at Home tickets for rescheduled shows. "This means if you selected PAH tickets when booking you will receive new tickets in due course via email. If you received printed tickets from Bradford Theatres either in person or in the post, these will now be valid for the rescheduled date. We will do our best to reissue printed tickets nearer the time."

If you cannot attend the new date or you have any queries about your booking, members of the public are asked to call the Box Office on 01274 432000 or for Group Bookings on 01274 437788. The Box Office is open Monday - Friday from 10am to 4pm.

Bradford Theatres said there was no need to contact them if you are happy with the new date. Due to the current volume of bookings to be managed by the team, they ask customers to bear with them whilst they work through enquiries.

The statement adds: "We apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you again for your understanding during this uncertain time. We hope you will continue to support Bradford Theatres and revisit us in the not too distant future."