A new scheme to help families spread the cost of paying for pantomime tickets has been welcomed.
Norwich Theatre has introduced the new payment option to make live theatre more accessible amid the cost of living crisis.
Panto Payments gives the audience the option to spread the cost of their tickets across three consecutive months instead of paying all in one go. It is free to use with no added interest.
Stephen Crocker, chief executive and creative director of the theatre group, said: “Pantomime is a joy for many families, and we don’t want anyone to miss out on the joy of experiencing it if affordability is challenging right now.”
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This year’s panto at Norwich Theatre Royal is Sleeping Beauty starring Joe Tracini.
Jo Myers is the company director of Echo Youth Theatre, which provides theatre experiences for young people in the Norwich area.
She said that any scheme that makes things affordable should be welcomed and said the scheme “will help children and grandchildren to experience the theatre”.
However, she added: “It is still a massive expense in the run-up to Christmas, so would probably be more widely taken up on a payment period longer than three months.”
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The theatre has also announced free or subsidised places on Take Part activities as part of the scheme as it looks into new measures to support its audiences.
Panto Payments apply to audience members who spend £45 or more on tickets for this year’s panto.
The initial payment must be at least a third of the overall cost.
Sleeping Beauty runs from December 9 to January 7, with standard tickets starting from £20.50 for under-18s and £25.50 for adults.
Mr Crocker added: “It is an incredibly special time at the theatre when generations of families come together to enjoy a real treat.”
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