Work to begin on Fife theatre refurbishment as annual panto cancelled

The popular Adam Smith Theatre panto has become the latest victim of the Covid-19 pandemic.

ONFife has taken the difficult decision this week to cancel its plans to stage Snow White in December.

However, as a result, work on development plans to help the Bennochy Road venue reconnect with its roots and keep the community at the heart of its future are being brought forward.

Work on refurbishing the auditorium will now begin this autumn.

The venue had previously announced its programme was suspended until next spring, although no decision had been made on the annual panto until now.

Michelle Sweeney, director of creative development, said: “December may seem a long way off but, despite the Scottish Government announcement this week that theatres can re-open from September 14 the impact of social distancing on audience numbers would remain significant and this coupled with public anxiety about attending indoor events has finally convinced us that panto is no longer feasible in these circumstances.

“The joy and excitement of panto is so closely tied up with packed houses, lots of noise and audience participation that to produce it with restrictions and at a time of such uncertainty would not provide the great experience our customers expect.

“This is a huge disappointment for us, as we know it will be for customers.”

This disappointment means the ONFife team are determined to make next year’s panto their best yet.

Michelle added: “Panto is a fantastic seasonal celebration in the greatest tradition of theatre, creating memories across the generations, which is why we are determined to make ‘Panto 2021’ one of the most special ever and are delighted to announce that it will be the all-time favourite, Cinderella.”

The news of the cancellation of this December’s panto means work can begin on the refurbishment of the Adam Smith Theatre auditorium earlier than previously planned.

The work, which is being undertaken in partnership with Fife Council, will begin this autumn and is scheduled for completion in spring 2021.

“With the 300th anniversary of Adam Smith’s birth coming up in 2023, it will be fantastic to have the grand old lady looking her very best again well ahead of the celebrations,” said Michelle.

Those who had taken advantage of ONFife’s early booking offer and already have tickets for Snow White will be given the opportunity to hold their seats at 2020 prices for Cinderella in December 2021.

The box office team will be contacting all those customers who have booked to discuss their ticket options by August 31.

Meanwhile ONFife is working on a magical alternative family Christmas experience for 2020 at Dunferline’s Carnegie Hall.

Michelle added: “We love the festive season and while panto won’t be going ahead this year, we are definitely not in the business of cancelling Christmas!

“We are therefore busy putting the finishing touches to what promises to be one of our most magical family Christmas experiences ever and look 
forward to announcing this in the coming weeks.”

For more information on the cancellation of Snow White and updates visit www.onfife.com