Panto returns to Hoxton Hall after venue agrees deal with leading theatre company

Pantomime is set to return to Hoxton Hall this year after the venue announced it has secured a new partnership with an acclaimed theatre company.

The Grade II-listed music hall, established in 1863, did not stage a traditional Christmas panto in 2019 in favour of a puppet show aimed at young families.

But chief executive and artistic director Karena Johnson this week reached a deal with Coventry-based Imagine Theatre to bring the panto back in 2020, starting with a classic – Sleeping Beauty.

Johnson said: “Our panto is always popular with local audiences so we’re delighted to be working with Imagine Theatre – a leading producer of traditional, fun, family pantomimes.

“We decided to partner with Imagine because of their excellent reputation and willingness to tailor make a panto to suit our venue and reflect the diversity of our communities.”

Imagine Theatre works with over 50 venues across the UK and has over 25 years’ experience in putting on pantomimes.

Directors Steve and Sarah Boden said: “Producing quality productions in various locations means we have lots of experience and know exactly what it takes to create a great show.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be working with Hoxton Hall to present a panto that their audiences are going to love.”

Sleeping Beauty, which will run from 11-24 December, is expected to be the first production in a long-term partnership between the two organisations.

On what audiences can expect from the show, the Bodens said: “Ingredients for a successful panto is a well-written script, slick comedy routines, flamboyant costumes combined with plenty of sing-along songs, topped off with a healthy dose of audience participation.”

Johnson added: “The end result will be a truly family-friendly panto which can be enjoyed by all, from ages three to 103!”

Tickets for Sleeping Beauty went on sale this week and start at £8.

For more information, or to book seats, head to hoxtonhall.co.uk