A Christmas pantomime in Barrow will go ahead after a specially built theatre was made in The Forum.

Barrow Panto were originally scheduled to bring a production of Sleeping Beauty to Cumbria but were one of the shows to be affected by The Forum's partial closure.

In August, it was revealed that the theatre would have to close its doors for up to six months following further surveys in the wake of the discovery of asbestos in its backstage area.

The closure was said to be necessary to protect staff, performers and the public. 

Christmas Pantomime at The Forum in Barrow 'must go on' | The Mail (nwemail.co.uk)

Other parts of the Forum remain open, including the café and meeting rooms, which has provided a much needed opportunity for the Barrow Panto group.

They revealed earlier this month that the Grasmere and Rydal Suite at The Forum had been transformed into a 200-seater intimate theatre called the 'Platform 28 Theatre’.

From December 5 to 24, Barrow Panto will be entertaining the public with a new festive adventure - 'The Santa Express'.

A spokesperson from the group said: "The Santa Express is everything you would expect from a panto - lots of singing, dancing, beautiful costumes, laughs for the whole family, a bloke in a dress, and a reindeer with a big red nose.

"This year's Christmas pantomime promises to go down in history as one of the most special, magical shows of all time and we can’t wait for you all to be part of the incredible festive treat - we are pulling out all the stops."

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This week, it was announced that tickets for the show will go on general sale from Thursday, October 3.

Anyone with a ticket for the previous production of Sleeping Beauty will have priority access from Monday, September 30, with The Forum contacting those affected.

The group is expecting the demand for tickets for the 'special' show to be very high and said early booking is advisable.