Knitters and crocheters are being asked to create a colourful swarm of jellyfish for this year’s pantomime at the Georgian Theatre Royal in Richmond.
The theatre has launched its annual knitting appeal ahead of The Pantomime Adventure of The Little Mermaid, which runs from Friday, December 4, until Saturday, January 9.
This year, people are being asked to knit or crochet jellyfish which will become part of the production.
There is also free wool available after the theatre received a large donation.
It can be collected from the box office on a first-come, first-served basis, along with printed patterns suitable for different abilities.
The annual knitting appeal has become a popular part of the Georgian Theatre Royal’s pantomime tradition.
During the show, the knitted creations are thrown onto the stage at a particular moment, echoing the lively audience participation associated with theatres during the Georgian period.
The tradition began in 2011 when people were asked to make bananas for The Adventures of Sinbad.
Since then, audiences and supporters have knitted everything from doughnuts and snowballs to apples, hearts, fish, ice creams and stars.
Items have arrived from across the UK and as far away as Australia and New Zealand, while the theatre’s Treasure Island appeal was featured on BBC’s The One Show.
Chief executive Jo Mawhinney said: “We’re delighted to reveal that this year’s knitted item will be jellyfish.
“Our knitting appeal has become such a special part of the pantomime tradition, and every year we are amazed by the creativity and generosity of the people who get involved.”
She added that the free wool meant even more people could hopefully take part, whether experienced knitters and crocheters or complete beginners.
Jellyfish of all shapes, sizes and colours are welcome.
After the pantomime finishes, the creations will be found new homes, with previous knitted items donated to nurseries, playgroups and charities.
Completed jellyfish need to reach the theatre by Saturday, November 28.
Patterns are available from the box office or via the Georgian Theatre Royal pantomime page.
