It’s alright on the night for Gadoc panto

‘It’s gone really, really well,’ said Claire Cathcart who, along with co-director Jodie Hicks, is directing her first major production for Gadoc.

‘We’re just so pleased that we’ve been able to start the run and hopefully bring the magic of the traditional Christmas panto to Guernsey.’

Mrs Cathcart said the idea that the show might not go on was always in the back of their minds and everybody was very excited to have made it to the theatre.

During rehearsals both directors had Covid and sometimes even understudies of the understudies had to step in. ‘It’s not been without its challenges,’ she said. ‘The first time that we have really had everyone together was opening night.’

The directors have been liaising with Public Health to ensure that they are complying with the latest directions.

Masks are now mandatory in the theatre, but Mrs Cathcart said everyone seemed happy about following the rules.

‘Everybody seems to be embracing wearing masks and we’ve not had a problem.’

However, some people decided they would rather not attend while others have been forced to stay home in isolation, so despite the show’s tickets selling out long before opening night, there have been some empty seats.

But some might see this as an opportunity. ‘If you’ve not got tickets booked it would be worth phoning Beau Sejour,’ said Mrs Cathcart.

With shows scheduled to run up to and including New Year’s Day, she said everyone was hoping that all would go ahead as planned.

‘We’re just taking each day as it comes.’