Panto saved - Oh yes it is!

Panto show goes on despite a fallen tree trapping the cast. Credit: Tendring Council

In the very best traditions of pantomine the show must go on, despite almost the entire cast being trapped in their overnight accommodation by a fallen tree.

Most of the cast of Peter Pan at the Princes Theatre in Clacton were staying at a holiday park in St Osyth but the road back to Clacton was blocked by a fallen tree.

The star of the show television presenter Jeff Brazier, who plays Peter Pan, was unaffected because he was staying elsewhere.

He said that he was relieved that the problem was resolved as soon as possible as he would not have wanted to disappoint all those who had booked for Christmas Eve.

Jeff Brazier, who plays Peter Pan, was unaffected by the fallen tree. Credit: Tendring Council

The cast made an emergency call to Tendring District Council in the early hours and a team was dispatched at first light to clear Beach Road at St Osyth.

The road was cleared in time for the first show at 11am. More than 1,000 people were due at the two performances on Christmas Eve.

The show must go on for the cast of Peter Pan in Clacton despite the weather. Credit: Tendring Council
Television presenter stars as Peter Pan in panto at the Princes Theatre, Clacton Credit: Tendring Council

Nigel Brown, from Tendring District Council, said that he had told the cast to keep in touch if there were any problems with the weather.

He said: "Rebecca, who plays Nicole the Pirate, sent me a text at around 1.30am to say that they were stuck.

“One car had tried to leave to go back to where they were staying inClacton and could not get past the tree. They were worried they would not be able to get out in time for the first show."

More than 1,000 people were booked to see Peter Pan in Clacton on Christmas Eve Credit: Tendring Council

Peter Pan runs at the Princes Theatre in Clacton until New Year's Day.