This year's Christmas pantomime performance of Jack and the Beanstalk at Grantham's Guildhall has been postponed until next year.

Polka Dot Pantomimes revealed the decision this afternoon after it consulted with the Guildhall.

The Guildhall is owned and managed by South Kesteven District Council.

Cllr Rosemary Trollope-Bellew, the Cabinet Member for Culture and Visitor Economy, said: "This has been a very difficult decision for Polka Dot Pantomimes and very disappointing for the Guildhall Arts Centre staff and patrons.

"However, with the long-term planning that is required to present a high-quality production it is sadly inevitable this year. Customer safety and customer experience, as well as protecting performers and staff, remain our priorities at this time."

Polka Dot executive producers Darren Maddison and Helen Wright said the re-opening of theatres seems a long way off and coupled with social-distancing requirements, the pantomime company and the Guildhall have made the "very difficult" decision to postpone the annual pantomime until Christmas 2021.

Their statement said: "In recent years the Grantham pantomime has become a festive tradition for thousands of families and was even nominated for a Great British Pantomime award for last year's Cinderella, so it has been a very tough decision not to go ahead with this year's Jack and the Beanstalk.

"As Producers we feel that our priority must be the health and welfare of our cast, crew, creative team, chorus, chaperones and all those that work at the Guildhall Arts Centre, as well as the ever loyal audiences that enjoy our pantomime each year.

"We believe that you need to experience a pantomime in a packed auditorium with a large audience full of families and friends who can interact with the performers on stage, as well as a company who are able to work in close proximity to one another in the all-singing, all-dancing style that our pantos have become synonymous with - that is the beauty and tradition of pantomime."

The pair continued: "If we are unable to achieve that this year then we would not be doing the art form justice and would be short-changing our audiences. Therefore, postponing until next year feels like the most sensible, fair and safe option.

"We have also postponed the planned pantomime at Stamford Arts Centre."

Customers that have already purchased tickets will be contacted by the Guildhall box office shortly and given the option to transfer to next year to guarantee the best seats in the house.

Their statement added: "Will Jack get to climb the beanstalk - Oh yes he will – and we are sure that the Guildhall panto will be back stronger and more magical than ever!"

"Another sad day for the pantomime world ï¸"