By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
A search has begun for a provider of Nottingham Theatre Royal’s pantomimes in 2025 and beyond.
Nottingham City Council is due to start a new contract with a company which can attract big star names and provide spectacular special effects.
The existing contract with the current producers Crossroads Pantomime Ltd will end in January 2025.
The council is looking for a new provider for the five-year £4.8m contract, which will now go out to tender.
This year’s production of Dick Whittington, starring Shane Richie, will run from December 9 to January 14.
Peter Ireson, venue director of the Theatre Royal, said: “The theatre opened in 1865, and apart from a few years in the 19th century, there has been a pantomime there every year since.
“It’s one of the key items in Nottingham’s cultural calendar. It’s great for the venue.
“It is a lot of people’s first introduction to the theatre, and it crosses generations. Every year, we have around 60 performances over five weeks.
“There are half a dozen companies who can perform in venues of this size. We want to work with market-leading companies with access to star names.
“It has to have the highest quality, including celebrity casting, large-scale sets and special effects.
“There was a flying car in last year, and there will be something just as exciting this year which I won’t spoil.”
Members of the Commissioning and Procurement Committee made a nod to panto humour, some saying “oh yes we did” as they agreed unanimously to put the contract out for tender on Tuesday (November 14).
Committee Chair Councillor Audra Wynter (Lab) said the annual festive tradition is “always a great at attracting visitors to the city”
A report on the contract says it gives a big financial boost to the venue.
