Oh no, we can’t - Credit crunch hits panto land
The traditional visit to a pantomime is under threat as this year UK families plan to bypass the theatre and stick to the sofa to save the Christmas pennies. Only 23 per cent of UK families claim that they will definitely attend a show this year, down one third (34 per cent) from last year.
Keen not to let this festive pastime be overlooked, Chevrolet, the car maker synonymous with value for money, is offering UK families an extra present this Christmas in the form of the world’s first in-car pantomime theatre. The bespoke Chevrolet Captiva will be stopping off at selected UK cities, giving families a free performance of the nation’s favourite pantomime.
Cinderella topped the Chevrolet poll of over 1,000 UK families to reveal the best loved pantomime story, with more than one fifth (21 per cent) voting for the magical fairytale. Coming a close second was Aladdin with 15 per cent of the votes, very closely followed by Jack and The Beanstalk (14 per cent).
When questioned, six out of ten families (58 per cent) cite cost as the primary reason for shunning a visit to a pantomime, with parents feeling that prices have risen in recent years. Furthermore, half of all families questioned (48 per cent) claim that the recession has pushed theatre-going down their list of festive priorities.
The average cost for a family to attend a pantomime varies around the country, with shows in the Midlands being the most expensive at £108 and the lowest ticket price being snapped up in East Anglia, with parents spending a more reasonable £60.
Les Turton from Chevrolet comments: “There’s nothing better than a pantomime to bring all the family together and get both kids and adults in the festive mood. It’s a shame to think that families are missing out due to extra tightening of purse strings, so it’s great to offer value at this already expensive time of year. We hope that our free in-car pantomime will bring the fun of the theatre to the streets, reminding adults of their childhood visits and introducing a younger generation to this great British institution.”
