Petition to stop the Theatre Royal axing the Pantomime with this cast

Comments

#210

Saw many of Berwick's performances and still have a bottle of Newcastle Brown he gave me. The panto was known throughout the country and did much to enhance the reputation of both the theatre and the city.

Chris Oxley (Leeds, 2020-01-11)

#211

It's wrong !

Sarah Kurdziel (York, 2020-01-11)

#212

These people are amazing and dint deserve this

Trisha Allison (Nottingham, 2020-01-11)

#214

I believe there should continue to be a pantomime at York Theatre Royal, the sense of community is palbable and much needed at that time of year

Barbara Burn (York, 2020-01-11)

#215

Giving up after one year without Berwick is an insult to the other cast, the theatre has potential to start a new legacy without needing a complete reboot. The impact of stopping this Panto would be highly damaging for the theatre and I sincerely hope they see sense and make the right decision for both their long standing loyal cast and customers!

Kate Thrippleton-Brown (York, 2020-01-11)

#216

The Tork panto is a Christmas tradition and brings in many people to the city. It introduces children to live theatre and must be retained at all costs. Once it goes, so do the loyal followers. Anything replacing it will be a poor replacement

David Rose (Tockwith, 2020-01-11)

#221

We love it and don’t want to see the cast go.

Elaine Brittain (York, 2020-01-11)

#227

I have been going to this panto all my life and want it to continue including Berwick

Elizabeth Spaven (York, 2020-01-11)

#229

This pantomime has been our family tradition for over 20 years and we don’t want it to stop now, we love the cast and want to show our support!

Rebecca Jackson (York, 2020-01-11)

#230

Love the annual rubbish .Even without Berwick actually on stage we had a fabulous time this year and would be very sad to see it go.

Jane Sherwood (York, 2020-01-11)

#233

Over the last 41 years the panto at York has developed into its own unique and wonderfull variation of the pantomime form, achiveing its own excellence by building an unparalleled bond with its audience. It has earned the right to grow and evolve at its own pace so it can continue to be a prime example of the pantomime form at its own unique and wakey best. It also makes people so damn happy!

James Last (Whitehaven, 2020-01-11)

#237

I’m signing because it’s a great panto and have been going for 30+ years and want to be able to bring my daughter

Anna Lewis (Blyth, 2020-01-11)

#238

I have been attending this panto for years and would never go to any other panto. I want this panto to continue and the people of York want this to continue . Let Berwick back.

John Stobbart (York, 2020-01-11)

#240

I am signing because I love the pantomime and have been going for years!

Sarah Stephenson (Norton, 2020-01-11)

#242

Me and my family love this panto, we’ve been coming for over 30 years, please don’t get rid of it!

Holly Baxter (York, 2020-01-11)

#243

Please save the pantomime. I’ve been going since I was 5 years old, I am now 37.

Laura Galvin (York, 2020-01-11)

#244

It’s a fabulous panto like no other and has become a tradition for so many families.

Diane Page (Selby, 2020-01-11)

#248

How to commit financial suicide. Axe OUR panto. As one of the mad people who queue overnight for tickets I will NEVER go to anything at Y.T.R. ever again if our annual dose of our rubbish is scrapped

Peter Newton (York, 2020-01-11)

#252

I am involved in theatre across the region. I come from hull every year to see this show and having been in over 100 pantos myself this is by far the best panto I've seen and consistently so too.

russell fallon (Hull, 2020-01-11)

#253

My family have been going to this pantomime for many years, it is part of our Christmas tradition and it is unlike any other pantomime - much superior to others with “star” casts.

Tricia Stack (London , 2020-01-11)

#254

I’m signing this because my father Martin Barrass, is part of the beloved Panto and it’s something I adore watching, since I was little.

Megan Barrass (York, 2020-01-11)

#255

This is an Amazing place me and my family go Regular

Gail Woodliff (York, 2020-01-11)

#257

Im signing because this panto had been a huge part of my life. The cast feel like family. Tradition! I understand things need to change sometimes but to get rid of one of the best pantos ever with such a loyal audience base would be (in my eyes) a mistake. Long live the famous York panto!

Han Fallon (Hull, 2020-01-11)

#258

This show means a lot to me. 13 years i have been going and thats over half of my life. You cannot just take away a tradition like this for many families. Not happy.

Hannah Solway (Hull, 2020-01-11)

#259

It's always been a traditional thing in my family to go to the pantomime it's something to do for the kids or even families of all ages.

NAOMI Gibbons (Yorm, 2020-01-11)

#262

I come up to see this Panto with my friends who live in York every year for my birthday. I have had my name read out in the messages section, I have caught a Wagon Wheel and have been transported to Pantoland for a couple of hours’ hilarity. This cast is unique and will be sorely missed. Not everything needs to be brought up-to-date!

Lee Morris (Bromley, 2020-01-11)

#264

Have been watching the panto for almost 30 years. We love it and want to see it continue

Tiffany Grout (Pickering , 2020-01-11)

#271

Traditions are important to me and allow families to share in experiences.

Tracey Ward (Selby , 2020-01-11)

#272

I have gone to this panto for 20 years and would be absolutely gutted to see this go! Holds lots of precious memories

Jasmin Bell (Selby, 2020-01-11)

#273

This would be such a sad day for York if it happens. I have been to many of the pantos over the years, since I was a child, to taking my own children. We now live in Canada, but have fond memories of the panto - in my opinion the only one worth going to in York 💖

Amanda Robertson (Owen Sound, 2020-01-11)

#274

It's a tradition that must be kept. Generations of families have grown up with this. It is unique.

Michelle Sheers (Hereford, 2020-01-11)

#275

Our family have been going to the York Theatre Royal pantomime for many years. We love the cast like they are our own family. Please don't axe this panto.

Catherine MacIntosh-Dixon (Burley in Wharfedale , 2020-01-11)

#278

It's a British Tradition a trip to a pantomime..It brings family together
To close the pantomime would deprive Children and Adults of seeing and enjoying something very special .and unique. There is not enough laughter in the theatre these days.

ELIZABETH WILSON (ASHBOURN DERBYSHIRE , 2020-01-11)

#279

I do not want the York Theatre Royal panto to be axed.

Sara Ridsdale (York, 2020-01-11)

#282

We have been going to the York Theatre Royal panto for over 30 years and it is an important fixture in our family calendar (three generations now). We would be unlikely to support an alternative production and if the present cast find an alternative venue then we would go there.

Richard Byas (Thirsk, 2020-01-11)

#283

It has been my family tradition to attend this pantomime for 40 years and my grandchildren attended for the 1 at time this year and loved it please let them be able to go again next year

Erica Birkitt (York, 2020-01-11)

#288

This panto has been part of my Christmas, and so many others, for decades - to replace it with a generic celebrity-fronted panto would be a slap in the face to the York Panto family and risks alienating a large proportion of the theatre's regulars. Gradual change if needs be, but keep.up the traditions!

Fiona Dexter (Portsmouth, 2020-01-11)

#290

I believe the theatre royal are making a very bad decision.... the pantomime has been a long running guarantee for the theatre and would like to see it struggle if they axe the best thing they have!

Charlotte Keable (Selby, 2020-01-11)

#291

I watched last nights show and it was absolutely fabulous! Long may it continue.

Andrew Ware (York, 2020-01-11)

#292

This traditional Pantomime with real people needs to carry on for another 40 years and not be axed for a populist celebrity circus as is the theme of many lesser Panto’s . If the manager of the Theatre Royal goes ahead with this lunatic plan, he will see empty seats come December.

Robert Waite (York, 2020-01-11)

#293

I've been going to this show since I was 1. It's made me want to become a performer. It inspires me and means the world to me. I'd be heartbroken if the thing that has shaped my life so much was ended.

Lydia Reeder (York, 2020-01-11)

#295

I’ve already been to the panto and although it’s not the same without Berwick it is still the BEST York Panto in my opinion, all the cast and ensemble are fantastic deserving a mention to Howie Michaels making his panto debut , what a voice, I hope he & the cast and ensemble are back in 2020/2021.

Lisa Wittner (York, 2020-01-11)

#296

I am devastated to think this panto may be our last. We need to unite as a big panto family and #saveYorkpanto !!!

Bev Callaghan (York, 2020-01-11)

#297

Live theatre is the best and needs to be protected

Fiona Latham (Beverley, 2020-01-11)

#300

The panto is important to york

Lee Bellwood (York, 2020-01-11)

#301

Best panto ever, best cast ever, best audience ever. Would be a sad year allot of families Christmas tradition will be ruined

Matthew Linnane (York, 2020-01-11)

#302

The panto is wonderful and to axe it would be a travesty. We've been attending for nearly 40 years. Don't let this happen

Anne Hall (Newcastle upon Tyne, 2020-01-11)

#304

This show has been my family Christmas for 30 years. There is no other panto like it. The show brings heart and love and togetherness to people from 1 to 101. It is rooted in all of the best traditions of the art of pantomime and the power of theatre to bring laughter, joy, love and community to all, especially in these times of worry, isolation and uncertainty. The York panto is a unique treasure and people love it so much they have travelled back from all over the world to see it year after year.. bringing new family and friends... it’s like coming home. York should be so proud of its diamond and while we all know that it is our human condition that everything must come to an end... to decide to end something so special to so many abruptly and without any celebration of a lifetime together for both actors and audience is a tragedy that breaks my heart.

Cathy Lynch (Haslemere, 2020-01-11)

#306

I’m signing because I have been going to this panto all my life (for the last 33 years) and it’s an institution. I want my son to experience the joy and laughter that I have every year at the panto. It’s 1000 x better than any other panto in the country. Please, please, please don’t axe it!

Jennifer Mitchell (York, 2020-01-11)

#307

I want the panto to carry on

Sean r James (Selby north Yorkshire , 2020-01-11)

#309

Panto at York Theatre Royal is a tradition that should continue.....OH YES IT SHOULD and they are brilliant

Gill Pyper (Lincoln, 2020-01-11)

#310

I have been coming to the Panto at The Theatre Royal York for 40 years. It's what Christmas is to me. I don't think you realise what you're doing as it's a local institution. There is a time after Berwick Kaler retiring will be transitional. You need to give it more time.

George Hurst (Wendover, 2020-01-11)

#311

I want the panto to continue as it is ! It has been a family tradition of ours for 18 years! Suzi and Martin always add a sense of silliness and as for David he is the best baddie in the UK! Build the panto on these special characters and that of AJ ‘who’s lovely you are’ and really adds something special to the show. I certainly won’t be going to see a Z list celebrity in future performances as you find this at every other panto in the UK. YTR has something unique with their panto a sense of ‘family’ as a result we all feel part of it and this has made the panto unique and successful for many years. New staff new ideas! Sadly not what the audience want!

Alison Ruston (Goole, 2020-01-11)

#316

I would like to see the present cast carry on, with the support of Berwick, either behind the scenes or with an active stage role. However, the cast must be better supported by the provision of quality scenery and costumes as in previous years, and not those that were provided for them this season which were embarrassingly poor and were sadly lacking. Additionally, from comments in the Press, it appears that the concession of opinion is that the ticket prices need to be more realistic.

Rodney Hardcastle (York, 2020-01-11)

#321

This is the best pantomime in the country and a family tradition for many. Their is no way the panto “family” should be disbanded, except maybe to regroup and put the annual rubbish on at another theatre

Julie Thompson (York, 2020-01-11)

#322

Me & all my family love it! We go every year, it’s part of our Christmas tradition, we’ve already made plans to go next Christmas. We loved it as much as all the previous years we have been

Caroline Hopewell (York, 2020-01-11)

#326

Can’t imagine no panto at Christmas. 20 years our family has been enjoying Berwick et al giving us great entertainment. We range from 5 yrs to 75yrs and we are all devastated!

Cheryl Pickard (York, 2020-01-11)

#329

The pantomime is the best thing about the Theatre Royal and the only reason I go there. Its madness to cancel the panto!

Jonathan Randall (Knottingley, 2020-01-11)

#331

I don't want the York Panto to become bland and predictable like every other panto.

Alison Hume (York, 2020-01-11)

#333

We have spent 15 years going as a family to see the panto. Last night 13 of us went which was 4 generations my youngest grandaughter went shes only 2 and loved it. Sad to think the management has made the decision for this to be the last. If this is so we wont go again. The cast are fantastic and have given years of fantastic entertainment for everyone over the years.

Amanda Coe (York, 2020-01-11)

#339

The panto is a family tradition spanning 4 generations in our family we would be devastated to lose it!!

Cathy Petrelli (Leek, 2020-01-11)

#340

This panto has been a part of my January for 25 years.

Christopher McMellon (York, 2020-01-11)

#345

I've been to this panto every year for the last 30yrs it's part of my xmas tradition it can't be axed!

Gayle Seaman (Selby, 2020-01-11)

#347

I have been going to the panto for years and it gets better and better it is sort of a must do every year I have been going since I was 1

Tom Brighton (York, 2020-01-11)

#349

We have been to this pantomime for years and the cast deserve much more!!!

Julia Roach (Grayshott, 2020-01-11)

#357

I have enjoyed the Panto every year for over 20 years. I appreciate that Berwick Kaler has retired, but he is still involved in the Show’s production.
The actual team other than Berwick are still there. In particular David Leonard who was brilliant in the Dec’19/Jan’ 2020 production.
Myself and husband plus 18 others, family and friends, attend every year.
I feel the YORK Theatre Royal would definitely lose support from these huge numbers who buy tickets in March every year.
We have NO criticism of this years Panto. We all enjoyed it.

Christine James (York, 2020-01-11)

#359

We have been coming down from the North of Scotland for almost 20 years and to axe the panto is unthinkable!!

Ivy Barron (Banff, 2020-01-11)

#362

It is surely the best panto in the world and I love it

Sue James (Selby, 2020-01-11)

#365

Berwick Kaler is a York institution. Both himself and the cast put so much work into the pantomime. They should be praised and commended.

Alan Crowe (York, 2020-01-11)

#368

I went to the pantomime for thirty years and only stopped going because my sciatica got worse. When the Theatre Royal was refitted a couple of years ago it made disabled access more difficult so l had to stop going. It would be a disaster if York were to lose its panto because there is only one Berwick Kaler.

Sue Bland (York, 2020-01-11)

#369

The panto has been a tradition in our family for many years. We brought our children and now our grandchildren. Pure family entertainment for everyone which always produces lots of smiles. To see the cast, who we feel are extended family, so upset at the end of the show on Friday afternoon was not acceptable. They are loyal, dedicated and a great team and should be valued

Linda Bagnall (York, 2020-01-11)

#373

I am signing this because I have been watching this panto since I was 7 I look forward to it every year!

Shannyn Brogan (York , 2020-01-11)

#374

I have been going to the panto since 1979, for many years i went 3 times each year. Since the refurbishment i have not been able to do this as the tickets are too expensive. I have been to this year and acknowledge certain elements did not work, but Berwick will learn from this, embrace his role as writer, and allow Martin Barrass to become the dame he can be.

Patricia Campbell (York , 2020-01-11)

#375

I go every year it’s tradition

Steve Hepworth (Coventry, 2020-01-11)

#377

The theatre royal pantomime is the best anywhere. It doesn't need to rely on 'celebrity' names to be a success. It is local, uses local jokes and is always family friendly.

Sheila Robson (York , 2020-01-11)

#378

It’s our family tradition and long may it continue.

James Birch (York, 2020-01-11)

#383

Thepantomime is the lifeblood of the theatre and is enjoyed by thousands

Keith Hartland (York, 2020-01-11)

#387

I have seen every Panto for almost 3 decades, the cast and audience are a family. The cast need to be given opportunity to develop new ideas and flourish with the Theatre Managements support NOT have them act executioners, Tom Bird

Trish Gerard (Scarborough, 2020-01-11)

#388

The pantomime is brilliant!! It attracts people from all over even different countries.
The pantomime is brilliant for old and young, great family fun in a great place. Dont lose it!!

Kirsty Bentley (Stoke-on-Trent , 2020-01-11)

#389

Where is Harry Gration? his support is needed.
I have been to the pantomime with my family, friends and relatives for over 20 years
We’ve not missed one. It is the culmination of many years of the same actors playing the parts, with the best bits/puns etc included each year which makes it special. It can’t be reproduced for all those who come from all over the country/world. I’ve been to see the alternative Panto in York a few times with the various celebrities of the day.
The content plays up to them and is really lacking the continuity, wit, ongoing jokes, etc of the present cast of the YORK Theatre Royal.
The theatre will lose out terribly financially if they make the wrong decision, and disappoint their loyal happy fans who will abandon the Panto if a mediocre cast is brought in to perform in the mediocre production styles of other pantos across the country.

M. James (YORK, 2020-01-11)

#391

Make Panto great again!

Ryan Clark (York, 2020-01-11)

#394

York needs some traditions - no point in just having another ‘star’ themed panto.

Nigel Razzell (Halifax, 2020-01-11)

#395

I first went to this panto over 20 years ago, and have returned time and time again because of such a unique, brilliant cast. It's a panto like no other, and when I have children I'd love them to be able to experience it. Adapt yes, but do not abandon our beloved cast! It seems a knee-jerk reaction to the first year of change, and an ungrateful insult to decades of commitment from the cast. The recent additions to the cast have been brilliant and it has so much potential even without Berwick. We don't want D-list soap celebrities, we want our A-list Suzy, Martin, David and AJ! Invest in them, the set and the costumes, and the audience will stay loyal and continue to spread the word to our friends and family. If the managers want a new audience... I say the theatre needs new managers!

Abbi Matthews (Pickering, 2020-01-11)

#397

Make panto great again!

Diana Berheci (London, 2020-01-11)

#400

I think pantomimes are an important tradition. Not worried about Barwick

Byron Bayley (York, 2020-01-11)



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