A POPULAR Devon theatre will be re-opening in time for the run-up to Christmas – providing no further government restrictions come into play.

The Babbacombe Theatre has added a touch of festive magic to its own variety show and will even be boasting a sprinkle of pantomime magic too when the curtain raises again in November.

Theatre general manager Sharon Waring said that the re-opening was thanks to a Crowdfunding campaign with the backing of hundreds of local supporters – and careful covid-proofing.

‘With thanks to the hundreds of people who have been supporting us through donations on our own website and through our Crowdfunder campaign we are able to re-open, assuming there are no further restrictions imposed.’

The theatre’s popular SuperStars show, which had opened in March, is set to resume in November and now has a touch of seasonal magic added to it.

Continued Sharon: ‘Due to current restrictions KIDZ and Co will sadly not be a part of the festive SuperStars.

‘However audiences’ favourites will be back treading the boards, including top comedy from Steve Laister.’

Meanwhile a pantomime production of Aladdin will take to the stage on December 19 with two performances at the venue, one at 12pm and another at 2.30pm. Each performance will be have socially distanced seating, the show will last one hour and ten minutes and there will be no interval.

Aladdin, produced by Exeter-based company Wonder Pantomimes, will be one of only a handful of professional pantomimes this Christmas.

The theatre also has a few more shows on offer from November including The Rat Pack and Marilyn, The Electrik Live Orchestra – the Ultimate Tribute to Jeff Lynne and ELO and Forbidden Nights.

Sharon added: ‘We really do need to make this time memorable, not only for all of us involved with the venue but for the audiences who are trusting us to ensure their theatre visit will be a safe and enjoyable experience. We are not out of the woods yet and our future is still in the balance, but with your support too, we could do this.’

Tickets for all shows are limited due to the socially distanced seating.

The box office, on 01803 328385, re-opens on November 2, and tickets and full details of all shows are available on the theatre’s website www.babbacombe-theatre.com.