Personally I am optimistic that we'll be back to normal by December, it's still a long way off and we're already seeing tourist attractions and theatres re-opening in the East.

Musicals and plays often cast much closer to the start of rehearsals than pantomimes, perhaps this year it will be a case of later casting for the majority roles similar to other genres in the industry.

Most venues will have back catalogue of sets and costumes anyway, usually only a handful of venues per company get brand new sets and costumes so I don't think design and build times are also of a major concern right now for the majority of venues. Mark Walters has already released images of the model box for Newcastle's new set. The design process can continue happening during this time.

Only time will tell but I feel Panto will likely happen, it's still many months away, and the process of casting and preparation which just be later than usual but not unusual in theatre as a whole.