ONE of Somerset’s most successful amateur dramatic groups is bringing pantomime to homes across the country, as the theatre industry continues to struggle with the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Glastonbury and Street Musical Comedy Society (GSMCS) will stream online, for free, recordings of three of its recent pantomimes so families do not miss out this year.

While plans for this year’s GSMCS Cinderella panto were at full steam earlier in the year, Covid-19 restrictions and the temporary closure of its home at Strode Theatre in Street made it impossible to stage what would have been its last panto.

But with the blessing of film production company Flying Tiger Productions and pantomime script writer Matthew Maisey, the society can still bring some festive cheer to panto fans’ living rooms.

Throughout December it will be premiering on its YouTube channel Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (December 2), Jack and the Beanstalk (December 16) and Goldilocks and the Three Amazing Bears (December 30).

All the shows start at 4.45pm, and will feature a 10-minute break before act two gets underway from 6.15pm.

This year was expected to be the last in a decade of pantomime performances for GSMCS at Strode Theatre, after managers there announced earlier this year they were shaking up their Autumn programme in a bid for a more sustainable financial footing, with professional live arts joining community shows and independent cinema.

GSMCS chairman Laura Vernoum said: “The performing arts industry has been so badly affected this year, and we have felt it like so many others; we’ve had to cancel shows, fundraising activities and social events.

“And while this year was set to be our last performing pantomimes, we weren’t going to let this pandemic get in the way.

“Over the past decade we have been supported by hundreds of families, and we want to make sure this little bit of traditional magic is sprinkled over their homes this Christmas.”

While the pantomimes are free to watch, the society is always grateful to receive support and donations - support can be offered here.