A Tale To Tell | Preview

A Panto for the Pandemic: Stars of Theatreland Pull Together To Save Great Christmas Tradition As Theatres Stay in Lockdown

Following the news of pantomimes and shows being cancelled across the land, audiences will still have the opportunity to watch their favourite fairy-tale heroes, villains and dames in an original film no virus can stop.

Written, directed and produced by Glen Murphy (BGT’s The Champions winners, Twist and Pulse) and executive produced by Base Productions, A Tale to Tell is a glittering new production, with a star-studded cast lead by JLS’s Aston Merrygold.

The Plot

Set in a world where fairy-tale characters live amongst us as everyday celebrities and pantomimes serve as their life stories told on stage. The characters return from their normal day to prepare for their role in this year’s pantomime only to find out it has been cancelled! What do they do??? Using an original script by Glen Murphy and two original songs by Murphy and Nick Barstow, this heart-warming short film follows the characters as they navigate this new normal and strive to bring a pantomime to families all over the UK.

Director’s Comments

Glen Murphy says:

“Pantomime is a tradition for so many families and theatre-goers all over the UK at this time of year. For many people, panto is their first theatre experience. It could be where someone’s love for theatre begins, or where a young child decides that they want to be in the industry when they grow up. To imagine that some people won’t get that opportunity to realise this was reason enough for us to make this film.

“What the characters are going through – many people will be able to relate to. We wanted to provide a moment of escapism and reassure people that although it might not seem great now, it will be fine in the end and to never give up on your dreams.”

The Cast

A Tale to Tell stars Britain’s Got Talent’s Twist and Pulse and Flawless, JLS’ Aston Merrygold, Emmerdale’s Tom Lister and Eastenders’ Matt Lapinskas. They are joined by a host of West End legends and stars of the stage including Aimee Hodnett, Alice Fearn, Francesca Lara Gordon, Frances Mayli McCann, Genevieve Nicole, Jason Denton, Joelle Dyson, Lisa Mathieson and more.

Make Sure to Watch!

This film is an all-singing, all-dancing panto story with a twist, while capturing the feel of a great Christmas movie musical! A cast of characters from different pantomimes, with one thing in common: A TALE TO TELL.

A Tale to Tell runs at 40 minutes and will be available to stream on Amazon Prime from Christmas Day. Be sure to follow the film’s Twitter and Instagram accounts for all the details when it’s released.