THE ANVIL’S annual pantomime has become the latest casualty to the coronavirus pandemic.

The performance of Beauty and the Beast, starring Chris Pizzey, pictured, was due to take place this Christmas but organisers have been forced to postpone the performance because of the impact of Covid-19.

Producer Martin Dodd said: “Christmas won’t be Christmas without pantomime and it is with deep sadness that we are having to make the decision to postpone our award winning production of Beauty and the Beast until next year. I know what a central part the pantomime plays in so many families’ Christmas, and we are always very grateful that so many people turn out year after year to support the amazing Anvil and enjoy our Christmas show. However, in the light of the prevailing conditions,

“We do not feel that we will be able to safely provide the high quality production. that everybody has come to love and expect, and we would be doing everyone a disservice if we had to scale it back. Regrettably therefore, together with Anvil Arts, we have had to come to this decision. However, will panto be back next year? Oh yes it will! And we very much look forward to seeing you all again.”