Coronavirus could not stop hundreds of Burnley schoolchildren from enjoying annual panto treat

Covid-19 has certainly not upstaged the annual panto at Burnley Youth Theatre.
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Although it had to be different this year, the team put together the magical tale of Jack and the Beanstalk in a story telling mode over Zoom.

Performed by the Byteback Theatre Company who produce issues based theatre and children's theatre, the piece was written and directed by Rachael Bamber, performed by actor Ollie Daley and includes shadow puppetry by Taylor Barnes.

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Determined to still offer audiences a magical and festive experience the audience follows Jack on his journey as he sells his cow for some magic beans and finds himself in the land above the clouds.

Actor Ollie Daley brings the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to life for Burnley Youth Theatre. (Photo by Laura Shorrock Photography)Actor Ollie Daley brings the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to life for Burnley Youth Theatre. (Photo by Laura Shorrock Photography)
Actor Ollie Daley brings the story of Jack and the Beanstalk to life for Burnley Youth Theatre. (Photo by Laura Shorrock Photography)

Karen Metcalfe, who is the artistic director and chief executive at Burnley Youth Theatre, said: "We have been lucky enough to have received funding from the government's Culture Recovery Fund.

"This has allowed us to offer this festive package completely free to over 700 pupils from local primary schools, perform a special performance for Burnley's Woman Refugee and open bookings for the public to say a big thank you to everyone for supporting us this year."

The schools the youth theatre has performed to are, Heasandford Primary, Casterton Primary and Cherry Fold Primary, Burnley, and St Leonards Primary and Padiham Primary School and also Blacko Primary.

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Karen added: "'We are so pleased to finally be able to rehearse and stage a theatre production after so many months.

"We anticipate we will have reached almost 1000 children, young people and families by the end of the run this week and hopefully brought much needed festive cheer to so many local people."

The show will be performed this Thursday (December 17th) at 6.30pm. The performance will b just under 30 minutes and tickets are free. The show will be followed by the chance to interact with the storyteller himself.

To book tickets click HERE