Families across the region have been left massively upset by devastating effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on something that has become part and parcel of everyone's Christmas - pantomimes.
Just like Christmas in Newcastle wouldn't be the same without a trip to see Fenwick's Window or a bite of a Greggs Festive Bake, the festive season just wouldn't feel right without a sprinkling of panto magic.
But unfortunately the region's pantomime extravaganzas have all been postponed due to COVID-19 and the crippling impact it's had on the entertainment industry.
Productions at the likes of Newcastle Theatre Royal, Customs House and Playhouse Whitley Bay have all been shelved for a year due to the pandemic but the show WILL go on at Boulevard in the city centre.
The venue, opposite Lane 7 and right next to the National Express bus station, is famous across the North East and further afield for its cabaret shows, with them now back up and running at a distance and in adherence with Government regulations.
Boulevard is also famous for its yearly adult pantomime but in a huge first for 2020, this Christmas it will stage its first family friendly pantomime, with Jack and the Beanstalk set to entertain audiences from December 24-30.
In accordance with social distancing guidelines, there will be a reduced capacity in the COVID-secure venue, with limited tickets available and tables for performances on each day, for social bubbles of up to 6 people, well spaced from each other.
Producer Liam Glenndinning told Chronicle Live: "I was devastated when the theatre pantomime rescheduling started to happen across the country due to the uncertainty of the Government lifting restrictions and Producers therefore being unable to forward plan.
"Luckily for us, Boulevard had already been made fully COVID secure in July ready for their grand reopening in August.
"I've been involved in professional pantomimes now for the last six years and even before that I performed in them from the age of 12, I couldn't imagine a Christmas without it.
"I'm delighted to be able to stage this family pantomime in the North East this Christmas in such a fabulous venue until the theatres are back to full capacity.
"We've had lots of people asking if the adult pantomime will be going ahead too and the answer is yes, more details on that soon.
"I hope that the industry as a whole gets back on it's feet in the not too distant future and that you will support this great venture."
Tickets are available now by ringing the Boulevard box office on 0191 2507068. Check the Boulevard Newcastle Facebook page for dates and show times.
If you aren't familiar with the plot of Jack and the Beanstalk, here goes: "Jack and his poor mother, Dame Trott, live in a tiny cottage in the shadow of the terrible giant, Blunderbore. With the rent overdue they have no choice but to sell their beloved cow, Daisy.
"After tricking the Trotts into selling her for a bag of worthless beans, the villainous giant’s henchman Fleshcreep kidnaps the Princess for his master’s supper.
"Will Jack be able to rescue Daisy and Princess Jill in time? Could he be the hero the village has been waiting for? Perhaps those beans aren't as worthless as they seemed…"
