Oh yes you can, oh no you can't!

Date published: 12/05/2008

Rochdale actor and pantomime producer Colin Meredith is calling for local people to support him by boycotting the pantomime at the Gracie Fields theatre this year. Mr Meredith is furious that after 18 years of producing a pantomime at the Gracie Fields, he has been replaced by the new owners without, he says, even being consulted.

Rochdale Council no longer manage the theatre, it is now managed by Operon - a management facilities company.

Mr Meredith said: "For the last 18 years the Panto at the Gracie Fields Theatre each Christmas has been staged by Meredith Productions Ltd - and in fact was initiated by us at this venue, as there was no Christmas show in the town prior to this.

"We were told in January of this year we could stage the Panto again in 2008/09 season. Two months later an email arrived informing me that the theatre was no longer available for hire at Christmas and another production company from Lincoln had in fact signed a contract to stage the panto there at Christmas."

Mr Meredith and his wife Kath were outraged and added: "We have not been consulted and given the opportunity to tender for the Panto, if in fact this is what has happened. We have been treated shabbily and we are looking for your support in boycotting the panto production this year."

The Meredith's have launched a petition which can be found on the Meredith Productions website:

• www.meredithproductions.co.uk