A THEATRE’S Christmas pantomime will be screened to audiences across Colchester to help after coronavirus hit its finances.

The Mercury Theatre will stream Cinderella for audiences to enjoy from the comfort of their own homes.

Not only will the screening support the theatre’s project, it will provide a financial lifeline for the show’s cast and crew.

The show was filmed over Christmas 2019 in front of a live audience of more than 800 people.

Passes are on sale now and families can tune in to watch the show anytime between December 19 and January 1 2021.

Steve Mannix, executive director at the Mercury Theatre, described the pantomime as “crucial” to the theatre’s long-term financial security which was hit by the pandemic.

“Now that our redevelopment project is nearly completed, it is incredibly exciting, but also a worrying time for us,” he said.

“Cinderella being streamed is going to offer our audiences a wonderful chance to experience all the sparkle of a classic Mercury pantomime, from the comfort of home with their loved ones, while supporting the theatre and helping us return in our fantastic refurbished theatre in the New Year.”

The project is £400,000 away from reaching its goal, with demolition work starting at the theatre last year.

The management team is planning to unveil the refurbished site in Spring 2021.

The proceeds from ticket sales for Cinderella’s online screening will be split equally between the theatre and all of the freelancers whose work is visible on the stage.

Funds will also go to those who worked behind the scenes to bring the show to life.

More than 40 individuals, including actors, musicians, stage management, dressers and backstage crew will share 50 per cent of the income from the streaming.

Tracey Childs, Executive Producer at the Mercury Theatre said: “We are delighted that we can offer a small lifeline to the incredibly talented freelance team of cast, crew and creatives who worked tirelessly to create this magical production.

“Freelancers have really suffered throughout the pandemic and we cannot survive without them.

“This has led us to set up several initiatives to try and help, including a confidential hardship fund, and our Mercury masterclasses.

“This sparked this idea and I am delighted that the multi-talented freelancers, whose work you see on the stage and those that worked behind the scenes, have agreed and will benefit directly from these ticket sales.”

“Freelancers are vital to the theatre industry and make up about 70 per cent of creating our productions. Particularly when we work together on a show like Cinderella, these artists and experts become part of the Mercury family and are essential to our lifeblood and cultural future.”

“We are thankful that our organisation is enriched by our collaborations with the freelance community. Without freelancers Cinderella would be a vastly different show and we want to be able to welcome these talents and skillsets back to our theatre in the future. We are incredibly grateful to our audiences for supporting us and we hope that this performance by our fabulous cast and crew will add a touch of magic to everyone’s Christmas.”

For tickets, visit mercurytheatre.co.uk/event/cinderella-online.