PANTO season is back with a bang ... but will be enjoyed at home instead.

A special edition of Sleeping Beauty can be watched virtually this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, following work from the Thameside Theatre and production company Polka Dot Pantomimes.

For the first time, Thurrock Council's theatre has teamed up with actors to offer a professionally pre-recorded performance available to watch online.

The performance can be watched from December 14 to January 3.

Deb Huelin, councillor in charge of communities, said: "I’m delighted that the Thameside Theatre has been able to offer an alternative Christmas panto treat.

"We may not be able to enjoy some of the things we usually would this Christmas time due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic but I’m glad a virtual pantomime will help to bring some festive cheer to many households across the borough.”

Darren Maddison, executive producer at Polka Dot Pantomimes added: “Last year’s production of Dick Whittington was a huge success and we are delighted that Thurrock will still be able to enjoy their annual festive tradition by watching one of our pantomimes. Sleeping Beauty is full of fun, fairytale adventure and lots of audience participation to keep everyone amused and entertained this Christmas.

"It stars Rebecca Lake as Princess Aurora, Chris Pym as Prince Harry and Benidorm’s Crissy Rock as Fairy Nuff.”

Virtual tickets can be purchased from today for £15.49 per household, and residents can watch the panto as many times as they wish over a four-day period.

Thameside Theatre staff will be contacting anyone who had tickets to the 2020 pantomime with information on how to purchase virtual tickets.

Visit https://thameside.ticketsolve.com/shows or thurrock.gov.uk/thameside-theatre, to find out more.