Grand Opera House York have announced that Britain’s longest-serving pantomime dame will not be part of the cast for their next production.
After three years at Grand Opera House, and a further 45 at York Theatre Royal, Berwick Kaler has been a mainstay on York’s theatre scene since 1977. His presence has been so continuous that many mark out the sight of posters featuring Berwick as one of the first signs of Christmas in the city.
The 77-year-old’s performance as the Dame in the 2023 production of Robinson Crusoe And The Pirates Of The River Ouse is now likely to go down as his last-ever performance on the stage in York, capping just under five decades at the top.
Berwick said, “After 47 years getting away with complete nonsense, it’s time to bow out gracefully and I couldn’t have wished for a better production than Robinson Crusoe. I’d like to thank all of the audiences over the years, and particularly those who came to the Grand Opera House this year for making it so memorable.
I’d also like to thank the Producers UK Productions for their support, and for bringing to life my frankly mad ideas so spectacularly. Last and of course not least my loyal gang, David, Suzy, Martin, and AJ for putting up with me for so many years!”
This follows an announcement earlier today that this year’s pantomime at Grand Opera House York will be a production of Beauty and The Beast, featuring a script from award-winning writer Jon Monie.
The production will include an all-new cast, to be announced in the coming weeks, who will replace Berwick and his iconic gang, as the famous five of Martin Barrass, Suzy Cooper, AJ Powell, and David Leonard will also not be returning.
The show will run from Saturday 7 December 2024 and will close on Sunday 5 January 2025. Tickets start from £15 and go on sale Monday 11 March at 4 pm via atgtickets.com/york
Add a comment