Panto’s across the country were cancelled in 2020 and whilst many shows will return to UK theatre this year, the average cost of a family ticket (£60) not affordable for many households. Covid-19 re-vealed stark differences in levels of income and support between communities. It also left many oth-ers feeling isolated and lonely. However, it also demonstrated our collective ability to help and uplift each other when faced with a national crisis. And in this spirit, Looping the Loop wants to build a free “Pop-up Panto”, Jack & The Beanstalk, for Ramsgate High Street which anyone can enjoy and participate in. We will transform sad, empty re-tail spaces into miniature wonderlands with the help of a huge “community cast and crew” comprised of local actors, theatre-makers, volunteers, college students and school children. Help us to make Christmas 2021 a memory to treasure for Thanet communities after such a difficult time.

What we'll deliver:

• Staging a magical Panto experience which can be enjoyed by everyone, including those living through poverty.
• Testing new ideas for the regeneration of Ramsgate High Street to present to local Councils/businesses afterwards.
• Bringing different communities together to create something to be proud of in Ramsgate.
• Providing opportunities for young people from Thanet to get involved with acting and theatre-making.
• Employing approximately 20 theatre professionals, predominantly from Thanet.

Why it's a great idea:

Many young people have missed out on vital opportunities to learn and be creative recently. Other members of the community felt isolated and lonely. For many, saving up to cover the cost of Panto tickets is the last thing to think about. Looping the Loop wants to provide a range of supported opportunities for local people from all back-grounds to work together and create a free for their area. Maybe an elderly person living in a care home will help with costume-making and set drapery, or local theatre students could play the role of “villagers” helping to direct audiences between locations, or a retired carpenter can help us trans-form an empty shop into Dame Trott’s dairy. We will make special efforts with our partners to ensure that the hardest hit communities can see a free show or get involved. The project also tests out new creative ways to reimagine and regenerate deprived high streets in Thanet.

Steps to get it done:

• Launching our crowdfunding campaign and announcing gift opportunities to our donors
• Securing eight vacant shop premises and outdoor spaces on Ramsgate High Street, obtaining relevant permissions
• Call-out for volunteers and students to get involved with the making of a “Pop-up Panto”
• Hiring actors, puppet-makers, artists and performers, adapting the script and commissioning set and costume designers
• Adapting the script and commissioning set and costume designers
• Securing opportunities and mentors for our “community cast and crew”
• Conducting outreach work with local community groups - reserving a number of free places for low-income households
• Launching booking slots for the general public (20 per performance, approximately 8-10 shows)
• Rehearsals, Set building, dress rehearsal, cast & crew briefing
• Event days
• Reporting back to our funders

Our “Pop-up Panto” is a participatory show where the audience (in groups of 20) takes the role of Jack - walking between different set locations from the story of Jack & The Beanstalk meeting a series of key characters along the way. Silly Billy gives you (the audience) Daisy the Cow to sell at market. You follow signs to the market and come across a strange old man who trades you some beans fo Daisy. Now you must find mum and let her know the good news… The route is kept secure by “villagers” - local volunteers including a number of performing arts students.