Hurstpierpoint Players celebrate online panto success

Robin Hood, directed by Sam Nixon assisted by Annette Squire, was licensed for presentation on YouTube via their website for 14 performances from Christmas Eve. Spokeswoman Anne Hopper said: “Needless to say, it has been the proverbial steep learning curve for all of us, but we’ve found the experience very rewarding – knowledge which will no doubt come in useful as we consider whether or not to stay virtual for our first production of 2021 now under consideration.”

The Players have been encouraged by a rush of positive comments sent to their website. Comments included: “Just watched the panto – great fun”; “lots of laughs, good singing and clearly a lot of effort”; “fun for all and uplifting”; and “just to say how much we admired the performance and especially the initiative you all showed in the most difficult of circumstances.”

Anne added: “We did not ask viewers to pay to see Robin Hood and there was no need to register but something went a little astray with our idea to give satisfied customers the opportunity to make a donation to help with production expenses.

“Although it seems that many families found their way through the system, we have heard from people who wanted to donate but had problems. However, if you saw the production, had such difficulties and would like to make a small donation could we suggest that you go to the Players website hurstplayers.org.uk where you will find details of PayPal and credit card donating.

“The Players hope to be able to announce details of their first production in 2021 as soon as current problems resulting from the transmission of Covid 19 are resolved. We desperately want to get back to using the theatre properly again.”