A theatre has been branded “woke” for putting on a relaxed, non-scary performance with the lights on.
The production of Beauty and the Beast is starring Dame Maureen Lipman.
But at the end of the festive run of shows there will be a special performance to allow everyone to enjoy the “magic.”
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Bangs, flashes, strobe lighting and scary bits will be taken out.
People will also be able to move around during the show.
Audience members will also have access to a ‘chill out room’ if the panto gets too much.
Interested customers are able to organise a familiarisation visit to the venue, so that they can get used to the surroundings.
It is taking place at the 125-year-old Richmond Theatre, in the posh south west London suburb.
One local fumed: “Going woke.”
Connor Murphy added: “This country has truly gone down the s*itter.”
Another stated: “This is absurd.”
One said: “I appreciate the sentiment, but the way you speak about this is quite patronising.
“Not everyone who struggles with coming to the theatre is five-years-old.”
One other said: “Games gone.”
Another added: “Isn’t the point of this type of theatre to illicit strong and interactive emotions in the audience though?
“Or can it be adapted.”
One other said: “This seems more annoying and over-stimulating than a normal performance.
“Lights on and people talking and running around?”
Yet others like the idea.
One said: “Wow that’s a great idea.
“I’ve always wanted to take my son to a pantomime but know he would be too scared and overwhelmed with the loud noises.”
Gunner Deatherage added: “This is so thoughtful.”
One stated: “This is so kind.”
One other added: “This is why I love theatre, always accepting to all, I love our community so much.”
Ticket prices for the event range from £13 up to £72, with the normal performances ranging from £13 to £76.50.
The relaxed performance will take place on 2 January, as reported by What’s The Jam.
Dame Lipman, 78, who is playing Mrs Potty said: “We’re going to have a relaxed performance because we believe everyone should be able to enjoy the magic of pantomime.”
Peter Firman, 44, who is Silly Billy added: “We understand that for some people a trip to the theatre can be scary and overwhelming.”
Jason Leigh Winter, 36, playing Flash Harry, said: “We’ll lower the sound and remove any loud bangs, flashes and strobe lighting as well as removing any particularly scary sections.”
Luke Mccall, 28, aka Prince Sebastian The Beast said: “The lighting in the auditorium will remain on throughout the show at a low level.”
Ben Stock, playing Dame Betty Bouffant added: You’re welcome to stand up and move around the auditorium as you wish, with no judgment.
“And there will be full access to a special chill out room if the show becomes a bit too much.”
Cherece Richards, playing the Enchantress said: “If you’d like any more information or to organise a familiarisation visit please don’t hesitate to contact the venue directly.”
A Richmond Theatre spokesperson stated: “We understand that for some people a trip to the theatre can be scary and overwhelming.
“On January 2, we’re going to have a relaxed performance because we believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the magic pantomime.”
Richmond Theatre has been approached for further comment.
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