We're grateful for the support of The National Lottery who have helped us ensure panto can return to Manchester, starring Salford-born Jason Manford as Muddles, with comic legend Billy Pearce as King Billy, musical theatre leading lady Jodie Prenger as the Enchantress and Eric Potts as the Queen in this year’s unmissable family production.
This year's production, created especially for Manchester Opera House in this unprecedented year, will be a riotously funny, one-act celebration of pantomime, packed full of comedy and laughter and will allow audience members the opportunity to come safely together and enjoy the magic of the much-loved and unique art form this festive season.
Book for our Relaxed Performance of this show here. Relaxed performances are designed to create a welcoming, enjoyable environment for everyone. Sound levels will be lowered and certain effects such as strobe lighting and pyrotechnics will be removed. It’s ideal for those who have an autism spectrum condition, people with a learning disability, parents with very young children or others who would prefer a less formal atmosphere.
Here are the measures we have put in place for your safety, wellbeing and enjoyment.
Take a moment to familiarise yourself with these measures and please do your part to help ensure everyone enjoys the show safely.
We look forward to welcoming you back to the theatre safely.
We have distanced seats into groups of two - six. You can book as a single household or support bubble. If you are traveling to the theatre from another area, we ask you honour the local rules where you live.
Your eTickets will be emailed within two weeks of the show. You can display them on your phone or print-at-home. Please ensure the barcode is clearly readable upon arrival at the theatre for contactless entry.
In many areas local rules recommend avoid using public transport and car sharing. We have information about the best parking options near the venue.
If you or any of your party feels unwell or need to self-isolate, you can request to exchange your tickets free of charge. If no alternative performance is available, you can opt for a credit voucher.
To aid social distancing your eTickets will have an entry time and door number to let you know what time to arrive, and which door to use to enter the theatre.
Contact-free temperature checks will take place as you enter. If your temperature is higher than 38 degrees, you will be unable to enter the theatre. We will issue you with a credit voucher (covering just you or your whole booking party) allowing you to rebook and see the show on an alternative date.
‘Check-in’ upon arrival at the theatre with one of the national NHS apps. QR codes will be available to scan at all entry doors. Also the contact details provided when booking will be shared with NHS test and trace schemes if they need to contact you.
Please use the hand sanitiser provided as you enter the theatre. Sanitiser can also be found at designated points throughout the building.
You will need wear a suitable face covering, in line with government guidelines unless exempt. When seated in the auditorium you will be distanced from other guests, and you may remove your face covering to enjoy food and drinks. Our theatre staff will be equipped with personal protective equipment - including face coverings and gloves.
When moving around the theatre please respect the space of other guests and keep a safe distance. We ask that children are always accompanied when out of their seat.
No need to queue at the bar! We are offering in-seat ordering and delivery service. Place an order for pre-show or interval drinks from the morning of your event right up until showtime. Everything will be delivered to your seat. Download the Ordertorium app and create an account anytime.
We have gone cash free! We accept all major credit / debit cards. We have also increased our contactless limit to £45.
This mark certifies that we are complying with the latest Government and industry Covid-19 guidelines, to ensure the safety of our staff and audiences.
If you have further queries, please visit our online Help Centre where commonly asked questions can be found.