Panto Returns Bring Solihull and Bromsgrove Theatres to Life
Two Midlands venues revive festive pantomimes, led by volunteers and community support after years of closures.
Pantomime is back in full voice as two Midlands venues reopen for the festive season. The Core Theatre in Solihull presents Aladdin, while Artrix in Bromsgrove brings Treasure Island to life. Both theatres endured closures, but local communities and volunteers have steered a hopeful comeback.
Background and reopening
The Core Theatre closed in September 2023 after inspectors found reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) in the building. To keep performances going, management moved productions to nearby Artrix, which had itself been shut since 2020 during the pandemic.
Solihull officials emphasise that pantomime remains a cherished family tradition, helping to sustain local arts venues and keep theatre doors open for the community.
When The Core temporarily relocated, Artrix in Bromsgrove became a practical home base for a while. Artrix had itself re-opened after pandemic closures, making it the natural site for the Solihull team to collaborate with.
Community momentum grew in Bromsgrove, where locals formed Bromsgrove Community Arts and rented the venue from the council, sparking a fresh era of live theatre in the town.
Opening in April 2024, the venture is entirely volunteer-led, underscoring how local passion can revive a cultural space.
The volunteers power the revival “The energy from volunteers and the broader community is remarkable,” said Suzanne Lane, director and producer of the Bromsgrove pantomime. “The show is thriving, and we’re already filling seats for next year and aiming for a strong 2027.”
Lane added that pantomime is the theatre’s bread and butter, noting that December revenue often mirrors the rest of the year combined.
Next year’s panto, Rapunzel, is already on sale, signaling a sustained comeback for the venue.
Sarah Lake Wynen, who plays Squire Trelawney in Bromsgrove, said it means a great deal to see local actors working close to home after a difficult period.
“I’m thrilled we’ve returned and that the arts can flourish again, with actors able to work locally,” she said.
Morgan Philpott, who portrays Widow Twanky in Solihull, described The Core as the lifeblood of the community and stressed the importance of protecting such venues.
“Having pantomime back here and at Artrix is vital for the theatre’s survival,” he said. “We must look after these spaces.”
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Summary
Two Midlands theatres have revived pantomime after difficult closures, with Aladdin and Treasure Island marking a strong, volunteer-led comeback. The initiative illustrates pantomime’s role in sustaining local arts spaces and creating opportunities for actors to work near home. Community volunteers and council support remain central to the ongoing success of these festive productions.
Key insight: Community-driven theatres can rebound after closures when locals volunteer and keep pantomime traditions alive. Source: BBC News
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