Pantomime dames parade for support in London

With Christmas just around the corner, theatres across Britain would usually be preparing to welcome thousands of people through their doors as they host their annual pantomime productions.

However, with current coronavirus restrictions keeping many UK theatres shut, this year's festive fun and the financial security of those working in the industry has felt a massive strain.

On Wednesday colourful characters descended on London as part of a panto protest, highlighting the impact of the pandemic on UK theatres and the arts.

"If this government and this chancellor and this prime minister don't save this industry, then it will go and there'll be no thearters and there'll be no artists. They'll all have to find other work. People have to eat," said pantomime actor Dame Gakko.

Pantomimes are a beloved and unique British cultural art form which usually see celebrity actors playing people's favourite story characters such as Peter Pan, Aladdin or Cinderella.

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