Everyman Theatre announces its support for Cheltenham Open Door

Gloucestershire’s leading entertainment venue, The Everyman Theatre has announced that Cheltenham based Open Door will be this year’s Christmas charity partner, for their pantomime production of Aladdin.

Images of Tweedy helping out in the kitchen with the Cheltenham Open Door team.

Everybody’s favourite clown Tweedy visited the centre earlier this week to ‘help out’ in the kitchen during the lunchtime rush. He managed to cook up a chaotic storm with volunteers and staff who work hard to provide a tasty home cooked meal each day.

Cheltenham Open Door receives no central funding and panto audiences can support them in several ways. For example, by donating to their food bank or fundraising on their behalf, plus every ticket purchased to see Aladdin will contribute to Open Door and support its ongoing work.

The charity helps vulnerable, disadvantaged and lonely people through a variety of services, providing a welcoming, non-judgemental space where guests can relax and enjoy food, friendship and gain access to advice and support.

“Christmas can be a particularly challenging time of year for those in need in our community. It is hard to appreciate the importance of family and friends, of enjoying good food and drink and a warm place to call home, unless these things are taken away from us. Here, at Cheltenham Open Door, we will be open throughout the festive period, welcoming our Guests for the three days of Christmas, serving breakfast, lunch and tea, with a visit from Santa, carol singing, bingo and other fun activities and our Guests will each receive their own gift bag.” 
Says Jane Sharp, Chair at Cheltenham Open Door

“Being a charity partner with The Everyman over the festive season, will help to provide greater awareness of the issues surrounding poverty and homelessness. Also, and importantly, the money raised will go directly to benefit our guests.  All money donated is used to buy food, hot drinks, toiletries and pet food for our guests and will also help us to continue running our Guest Centre in Cheltenham.

“The importance and necessity of the work that we do at Open Door cannot be over-estimated; to quote one of our guests, “The staff and volunteers are brilliant and I’m so grateful for what others do to support Cheltenham Open Door. It means a lot for me to be able to come here.” We would like to thank The Everyman for choosing us as their Christmas charity partner this year and also all the audiences, sponsors and others who support us over this festive period. You really will be making a difference to the lives of those less fortunate in our community.”

Images of Tweedy helping out in the kitchen with the Cheltenham Open Door team.

Launching in November, the brand-new festive show will see Tweedy reunited with Gloucestershire’s favourite dame, Kevin Brewis playing Widow Twankey, as she tries to control the comic trouble caused by her son, Tweedy Twankey!

The panto will also see the return of dynamic creative partnership, Sam Holmes and Nick Winston. The duo has written and directed the annual Everyman pantomime since 2019’s Cinderella, injecting their signature energy and humour that keep audiences returning to the theatre each Christmas.

There are plenty of opportunities to see Aladdin at the Everyman Theatre, with a whopping 76 shows to choose from between Friday 29^th November and Sunday 12^th January, including audio-described and relaxed performances. Peak performances are selling fast, however there are great family rates still available on selected off-peak performances.

The Everyman’s annual panto is a real holiday treat not to be missed, so join friends and family, as we celebrate the power of friendship, love and the enduring spirit of adventure in the unforgettable experience that is Aladdin. Tickets are available now, from just £10 pp.

For more information and to book, visit the Everyman Theatre website or call the box office on 01242 572573.