News: The Customs House has taken the difficult decision to postpone its pantomime

The Little Panto With The Broken Heart

The Customs House, in South Shields, has taken the difficult decision to postpone its pantomime.

Rapunzel, which was due to open in November, will now be rescheduled to let down her hair in 2021.

Ray Spencer MBE

Customs House Executive Director Ray Spencer exlpained “With the continued uncertainty around government advice on live performance and with a predicted second wave of Covid this winter, it is with deep regret that The Customs House is announcing the postponement of our 2020 pantomime “Rapunzel” until 2021.

“After months of closure and no clear road map to reopening The Customs House cannot risk the heavy investment required to produce pantomime without some guarantee that we would be able to at least recoup costs.

“All advance ticket sales are now available for refund - please be patient as our skeleton staff work through the high number of bookings.

Happier times - The Customs House panto has won the North East Theatre Guide's "Most Entertaining Panto of the Year a record three times.

“We are refunding tickets rather than transferring them to next year’s dates, with a new performance diary for 2021 being produced soon. As normal these new dates will be offered to Members of our Friends Scheme in advance of them going on general public sale.

“These are extremely difficult times for everyone so I would ask, if you are able, to consider donating part of your ticket refund to The Customs House Charity.

“You remain our greatest asset, our supporters, it is you who will help secure a positive future for YOUR Customs House.

“We will return! OH, YES WE WILLL!”

An email has been sent to all bookers outlining their options for a refund or opportunities to donate part of their transaction to The Customs House Charity.

Those who do not have an email address attached to their booking will receive a call from staff who are working through each show. Customers will be notified when refunds have been processed.

Staff are currently working remotely and are not in the building. They are working hard to contact ticket holders as swiftly as possible, however, if you have not heard from anyone by Saturday 4th September, please email boxoffice@customshouse.co.uk or send a letter to The Customs House, Mill Dam, South Shields, NE33 1ES.