DESPITE theatres forced to remain closed across the country amid the coronavirus pandemic, the show will go on in Weymouth as a popular annual pantomime finds a new home for the summer.

Made to Measure Productions and Weymouth Pavilion have announced a new partnership with The Nothe Fort – allowing their record-breaking summer pantomime ‘Pirates of the Pavilion’ to return to the town for it’s seventh swashbuckling season. The pirates will be embarking on a brand new adventure, specifically written for the unique performance space at The Nothe Fort, from August 17-23.

Lee Redwood, writer and director of the show, said: "In a period of much uncertainty for theatrical and arts organisations around the world, it's wonderful to know that creative innovation and collaboration have allowed us to bring our unique summer pantomime back to Weymouth for yet another summer season.

"Many theatres around the country are in an impossible position due to the pandemic, and in order to survive we have to think outside the box. In this instance, we have been able to think 'outside the theatre' and are delighted to be working alongside Weymouth Pavilion and The Nothe Fort on this very exciting project, which will not only be supporting two hugely popular local leisure businesses, but also offer the general public the entertainment that they have been craving - you can't get this on Netflix!"

To ensure government guidelines are adhered to, the audience will watch the show from socially-distanced seats, allowing family groups to sit together whilst maintaining a safe distance from other audience members, and hand sanitiser stations will be positioned around the fort.

James Farquharson, chairman of Nothe Fort, said: "Pirates of the Pavilion is a much-loved feature of sunny summer holidays in Weymouth. The Nothe Fort team are so pleased to be able to help this family fun continue. The Fort's parade ground is a fantastic space for community events, as last year's Museum of the Moon proved, and we will be able to offer a wide range of cover-safe features."

The brilliant cast includes Liam Mellor as Seadog Billy and Robert Squire as the bumbling Captain Filibuster, along with Pirates of the Pavilion regulars Tegen Jones, Isla Rose and Weymouth’s own Alex Rogan as Dapper Dick. Panto favourite Gwynfryn West will make his Pirates of the Pavilion debut as the evil Captain Blackhead.

Tickets are available from the Weymouth Pavilion website.