Looking back at the history of panto and im sure Nigel will atest to this, the panto season opened around christmas eve or boxing day some actually ran up till easter. There is also a few touring easter panto still going (clearly not at easter just gone).

Also, from what im hearing "the all or nothing" attiude from Qdos is being mis-reported, as they work across the UK and there are no gurentees that the devolved nations ie wales and scotland, wont have different rules and regulations in place. So the chances are not all of the announced 34 may actually go ahead where others will. I believe from what im seeing and hearing Qdos desperatly want the London Palladium up and running with there casting etc waiting in the wings.

As for York, well Berwick and co are in a different ball game, they are being produced by Qdos now, not an independant producing theatre, if the panto goes ahead and it isnt successful you can bet Qdos wont hesitate to pull the plug, no matter what stunt the cast try and pull.