We aim to be accessible and welcoming to all and we are committed to making your visit as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Wheelchair Users: The Main Entrance, Foyer, Main Hall & Social Room are all on one level and accessible by wheelchair users. We have a dedicated disabled toilet with easy access from the Main Hall or Social Room.We can accommodate up to four wheelchairs in the Main Hall during a live performance.
Registered Assistance Dogs: Registered assistance dogs are welcome. Please inform the Box Office of requirements at time of booking.
Access for Hearing Impaired: We have an Induction Loop. Ask for information when making your booking, or one of our staff prior to the performance.
Companion Tickets: If you are Registered Disabled and cannot attend the performance without a companion we will offer a complimentary ticket for your companion.
Panto 2024 ‘Dick Whittington’
Cancelled Pommie Panto becomes a huge hit!
Youlgrave village hall committee had no option but to cancel the pantomime in early December.
A number of main adult parts had left for several reasons, some with ill health. Therefore with so many things going pear shaped, director Nic was left with too many obstacles in his way, and unfortunately we decided to wave a white flag.
The devastating effect the decision had on the children was too much, especially for the young Ukrainian girl who left in tears and was unconsolable as it was going to be the highlight of living in our Village, we didn’t realise how important this Panto is for our Village children.
This was the catalyst to make a determined effort to make sure the show must go on.
A gathering was planned, inaugurated by King Rat Phil Wildboar, everyone who wished to be involved invited.
Suddenly we had another dame, the Panto comedian role had already been given to the young 12 year old Daisy, as well as another three 12 years olds having major speaking parts. The captain was a welcomed return by the landlord of the Bulls Head, Martin. But without a doubt the piece de resistance was picking the unlikely bearded / tattooed Simon as the Fairy who scared more children than King Rat. Nic was invited to attend the gathering an hour later and as he came through the door all the younger cast gave him a huge round of applause. Bingo it was on again.
The wonderful scenery was already created along with all the props. Missing were two technicians to do the lightening and sound, these were filled in by two youngish dads from the village.
The last ingredient was pulling the younger ones in to make sure the choreography worked - step in no nonsense Kim from our neighbouring village Over Haddon .
Suddenly the whole Panto started to come together with everyone working as a team.
Unfortunately one part of the team had been overlooked. With all the changes, new or altered costumes were needed, the sewing machine was overwhelmed. Again the call went out for more help and the response was overwhelming. So many came through the door that it became obvious it was too many.
The spirit that was spawned by a child’s sad tears just carried on growing. Something special was about to happen.
The first night was incredible. Normally a smaller audience, but the hall was half full. It was not the amount of punters that was so good, it was their response. The curtains opened, folk booed at the top of their voices to welcome the baddie.
Each performance saw the crowd grow to the second matinee where people got turned away, a full house.
Tears were now of laughter with everyone making this into a massive hit, which will be definitely be remembered.
It proved that the village wants the fantastic tradition of 62 years of Pommie Panto to continue which it definitely will, thanks to our Director Nic Wilson who we are truly grateful for his commitment.
Phil Wildboar / Phil Smith
