A theatre will be showing a popular pantomime online to help entertain families, as the country stays home to beat the coronavirus.

Basildon's Towngate Theatre and Simon Fielding Ltd have announced that a full length screening of last year’s pantomime, Dick Whittington, will be available to stream for free on the Towngate’s YouTube channel next weekend.

Following the Government’s requirements to social distance and stay at home, the Towngate been unable to present their usual fantastic programme of live events. This screening, along with a host of online events such as Storytelling for children and a coming-soon Panto Pub Quiz, will be an opportunity for the Basildonbased Theatre to give some much needed joy and laughter back to their audiences and the local community for their continued support.

Dick Whittington was another jewel in the crown of the Towngate’s impressive panto repertoire, once again generating full houses in this 550-seater venue. Starring Basildon favourites, Simon Fielding as Silly Billy and Sophie Ladds as Queen Rat, this magical adventure paved with gold has been nominated for Best Ensemble in this year’s Great British Pantomime Awards.

Although completely free to view on the Towngate’s YouTube channel, there will be an opportunity for anyone to donate to two charities via their fundraising pages- Motivated Minds or the NHS. Motivated Minds is supporting the community (including Billericay, Wickford, Laindon, Basildon, Vange, Pitsea) with funds going directly to help those most in need with essential items such as food, nappies or personal protective equipment (PPE).

Any donations to the NHS will go directly to their COVID-19 appeal as they continue to work all hours of the day to aid those suffering with the effects of Coronavirus and help prevent the spread of further infection.

Mr Fielding, who also directs and co-produces the production said: “In these uncertain and worrying times, we thought bringing some panto magic to our wonderful audiences would lift everyone’s spirits and provide some feel-good entertainment which the whole family will enjoy.

"When the idea of the screening was suggested to the cast and crew, everyone was immediately on board, especially as this could help raise funds for these worthwhile charities as they continue to support the sick, the vulnerable and those in need.”

Dick Whittington will be available to stream on the Towngate Theatre’s YouTube channel (@towngatetheatre) for free from 11am on Saturday 18 April 2020 until midnight on Monday 20 April 2020.

The donation links to Motivated Minds and the NHS can be found here: https://localgiving.org/charity/motivatedminds/project/corona https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/NHScharities-COVID19URGENTAPPEAL