Berwick Kaler and his panto gang will not return this Christmas.
The Grand Opera House will have a brand new pantomime and it won’t feature the legendary dame after 47 years, it was announced today.
His long-time panto collaborators Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, AJ Powell, and David Leonard will also not be returning.
Berwick first put on a wig and frock for Cinderella, playing one of the Ugly Sisters, Philomena, in York Theatre Royal’s 1977 panto.
He ended up writing and co-directing a unique series of shows which entertained York audiences for decades.
There was real-life drama when the gang were axed from their home of many years, the York Theatre Royal, in 2020.
Then the Grand Opera House stepped in and offered them a new home. The Berwick panto ran for three years at the Opera House, but will not now return.
YorkMix understands ticket sales for this year’s run of Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates of the River Ouse were disappointing.
In a statement, Berwick, 77, said: “After 47 years getting away with complete nonsense, it’s time to bow out gracefully and I couldn’t have wished for a better production than Robinson Crusoe.
“I’d like to thank all of the audiences over the years, and particularly those who came to the Grand Opera House this year for making it so memorable.
“I’d also like to thank the producers UK Productions for their support, and for bringing to life my frankly mad ideas so spectacularly.
“Last and of course not least my loyal gang, David, Suzy, Martin, and AJ for putting up with me for so many years!”
All-new cast
The Grand Opera House and Martin Dodd for UK Productions have announced a brand new pantomime for York, opening in December.
Beauty and the Beast will feature “side-splitting comedy, sumptuous costumes, fabulous scenery, a thrilling transformation scene” – and an all-new cast.
No details have yet been revealed about the cast.
Martin Dodd, managing director of UK Productions, says ‘We are delighted to continue our relationship with the Grand Opera House and bring one of the most popular fairy tales of all time, our award winning Beauty and the Beast, to audiences in York.
“The production is spectacular and contains all the elements that young and old will love, and we look forward to announcing the star casting very soon.”
“The annual pantomime is the biggest show in the theatre’s calendar and to be welcoming Beauty and the Beast to our stage is incredibly exciting,” said Laura McMillan, theatre director for the Grand Opera House.
“There’s nothing like pantomime to introduce children and young people to theatre and I have no doubt that Belle, The Beast and the rest of the characters will bring so much joy this winter.”
The show will run from Saturday 7 December 2024 to Sunday 5 January 2025. Tickets start from £15 and go on sale Monday 11 March at 4pm on the theatre website.