CHRISTMAS panto celebrations will return this year as theatre doors are finally flung open following months of Covid restrictions.

The Thameside Theatre in Grays, re-opened this week, alongside the Thurrock Museum on September 14, giving theatre lovers the chance to watch their favourite shows again.

All confirmed theatre bookings, including the Christmas panto, will take place through to January 2022, while both a final decision is made on the future of the building and a new cultural strategy is developed.

Shows set to take place this year include The Best of Franki Valli, Oliver, We Will Rock You and a Halloween workshop before panto season starts on November 21.

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Deb Huelin, councillor in charge of communities, said: "I'm pleased the theatre and museum can reopen.

"It has been a difficult 18 months that has challenged the arts and heritage sector generally to think differently about how to harness the power of culture to support the well-being of individuals and communities and its positive impact on social change and tackling inequalities. Over the coming months, we will continue to look at our cultural offer as a whole, including the long-term social and economic benefits for residents.

"We will be exploring ways to provide greater opportunities to develop and improve the arts, culture and heritage offer in Thurrock and we will continue to work with production companies, local groups, and existing borough-wide facilities to establish a new shared vision to support cultural services that are both inclusive and accessible."

Mark Coxshall, councillor in charge of regeneration, said: "Thameside Theatre's audiences can once again enjoy its shows while we continue to engage with local groups to discuss future service delivery models to support cultural regeneration and economic growth across Thurrock.

"Reimagining our culture offering will allow our services to run more effectively without the physical constraints of some dated buildings and meet the needs of the borough's residents. This is an exciting opportunity to improve and secure the arts, culture and heritage offer in Thurrock for years to come."