Panto producer Chris Jordan: Action needed to protect regional theatre

Panto producer Chris Jordan has claimed that the industry is in "danger of losing drama in the regions" unless action is taken to protect theatres nationwide.

Jordan, managing director of Jordan Productions, told The Stage it was becoming "very, very hard" for producers to tour their shows.

Speaking shortly after accepting his best direction award at the Pantomime Awards 2025, Jordan said that if he could petition the government on any aspect of arts strategy, it would be to support the proliferation of theatre up and down the country.

He said: "If I could ask for one thing, it would be for the support of regional theatre. It would be to support drama going into regional theatres because it’s becoming very, very hard for producers to take shows there, and very expensive to take drama on the road.

"If we don’t nurture it and support it and subsidise it, I think we’re in danger of losing drama in the regions because it is becoming almost untenable for producers to take shows out."

Jordan lifted his gong for his work on Snow White at Devonshire Park Theatre in Eastbourne on April 13 in a ceremony held at Woking’s New Victoria Theatre.

His fellow winners included the likes of BBC broadcaster Owain Wyn Evans, whose panto debut in Cinderella saw him walk away with the best newcomer to pantomime award.