Why it matters: With five screenings across three days, including Christmas Eve morning, families have flexible options to fit the panto into busy festive schedules without travelling to the theatre.
The details: Tower Street Food Hall will show the Rock'n'Roll pantomime at 14:00 and 19:00 on Monday, 22 December and Tuesday, 23 December, with an additional 11:30 showing on Christmas Eve. Tickets cost £4.50 per child and £6 per adult.
The venue, which opened in February in the former Yates Wine Bar opposite Tower Ramparts bus station, has its screening room on the second floor with no lift access.
What they're saying: Douglas Rintoul, chief executive and artistic director of New Wolsey Theatre, said: "Our mission is to make theatre accessible for everyone, and this Christmas we're building on that commitment in exciting new ways. By partnering with Tower Street Food Hall and The Regal Stowmarket, we're taking the magic of our Rock'n'Roll panto beyond our stage and into spaces where communities come together. These screenings join our livestream offering for audiences at home and our work with care homes and community centres – all designed to ensure no one misses out on the joy of theatre."
For context: The livestreams are part of a series of previously announced home screenings running from 20-29 December, continuing the theatre's wider commitment to reaching audiences across Suffolk.
The Regal in Stowmarket will also present screenings on Tuesday, 23 December at 14:00 and 19:00, with tickets at £10 for adults, £8 for children, and £32 for a family of four. The 14:00 showing will be a relaxed performance.
Beauty and the Beast marks the 25th anniversary of New Wolsey Theatre's award-winning Rock'n'Roll pantomime and is currently running at the theatre until 17 January. The production features adventure, pantomime gags and rock and pop hits played live by the cast.
The bottom line: With theatre tickets often selling out quickly during the festive season, the Tower Street Food Hall screenings provide an alternative way to watch the show in the town centre.
