The show must go on-line

But as with many other festive traditions, theatre companies across the UK are having to forego their traditional silly productions due to Covid-19 restrictions on theatres opening.

Sleaford Playhouse has been closed since the coronavirus first hit back in March, and will have to stay closed until restrictions are lifted.

However the committee are hoping to celebrate Sleaford Little Theatre's 70th anniversary in May with a series of one act plays, as well as a production of Goodnight Mister Tom in September, as well as a production of their pantomime The Snow Queen in December.

Tom Creasey, publicity manager for Sleaford Little Theatre, said: “We have also planned an exciting extra production outdoors in case none of the above can happen due to the pandemic which is Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Nights Dream’ and the plan is to hold this event on the grounds of Rauceby Hall in June or July.

"Our fingers are crossed for March 2021 as we would like to perform our 2020 programme in 2021. Our first production in 2020 should have taken place in March this year but it was cancelled due to the national lockdown.

“We have no plans to put any events on at the Playhouse until it is safe to do so.

“Due to the layout and size of the theatre it is very difficult to impose social distancing rules effectively and therefore simply cannot open at this time.”

Leadenham Players have also made the decision not to put on their traditional January pantomime for the safety of their cast and patrons.

Similarly, the Heckington Players have had to forgo a year of productions, including their ever-popular pantomime which is the group’s biggest fundraiser of the year and takes place at the end of January.

The group’s resident pantomime writer and long-standing member, Kei Bailey, said that the society still wanted to provide the local community with entertainment while providing their membership with an opportunity to flex their creative muscles.

And so, he was tasked with writing the Players’ first ever feature film, The Quest for Lord Quibble’s Custard, which was filmed across the county over August and September.

The story follows the adventures of a quirky cast of characters across a mythical land known as Nonsensica, and the cast and crew managed to film while maintaining social distance outdoors.

Kei said: “For me, this was one of the highlights of the experience, a chance to explore all the wonders that our splendid county has to offer.

“As this project was a substitute for pantomime, I wanted to write something which was fun and family friendly and set in a similar kind of fantasy realm – a world of trolls and goblins, of witches and fairies. This provided great scope for the team to discover a variety of locations to film in.”

The Quest for Lord Quibble’s Custard is due for release online at the end of January to replace the Players’ traditional pantomime.

“We have already received a huge amount of support from local businesses and groups with generous donations towards production costs,” Kei added, “We hope the community and our audiences will continue this support by taking time to enjoy our first ever film venture.”

The Quest For Lord Quibble’s Custard will be broadcast on January 22nd on the Players’ website at http://heckingtonplayers.co.uk/