This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

28 May 2026 at 07:33

Tender

06 Jan 2026 at 11:44

Summary of the contracting process

Halton Borough Council has concluded the procurement process for the "Provision of a Seasonal Pantomime" with an award made to New Pantomime Productions Limited. The project involves delivering an annual pantomime at the Brindley Theatre in Runcorn, Cheshire, from 2026 to 2029, with potential extensions up to 2032. The procurement method was an open competition, categorised under entertainment services. The total contract value is £468,000 gross, with the main contract period set to begin on 1st June 2026 and end on 31st March 2029, with work being awarded as of 20th May 2026. The procurement stage for this tender is currently complete, having gone through tender and award stages earlier in the year, with key submission deadlines concluding on 3rd February 2026.

This contract represents a significant business growth opportunity for production companies familiar with theatre operations, particularly those with experience in entertaining family audiences. SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) in the entertainment industry, focusing on theatrical productions, would have found this opportunity suitable to expand their portfolio given the established reputation of the Brindley Theatre for high-quality productions. The open procurement method facilitated competitive bidding, allowing a range of businesses to showcase their unique skills and potentially win a prestigious contract in a renowned venue. The collaboration with a well-regarded local council further enhances the appeal and potential for expanding business networks and capabilities within the public performance sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of a Seasonal Pantomime

Notice Description

Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced production company to work with the Council to produce an annual Pantomime over the next three years 2026-2029 at the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn. The Brindley Theatre is Halton's 21-year-old, purpose-built theatre situated in Runcorn, Cheshire. The building is fully accessible and includes a 424-seat proscenium arch theatre (less up to 13 seats for sound desk positions), wheelchair access, 119 flexible Studio space, Library, Education Room, Bar and Cafe. All public parking is provided free of charge. The Brindley Theatre is a previous winner of the National Lottery Best Arts Project in the UK and also holds a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. The annual schedule is balanced between a mixed programme of professional work across all the art forms and community, commercial hires and classes. The current season can be viewed online at www.thebrindley.org.uk. Tickets for all Theatre and Studio events can be purchased in person, by telephone or online. The Brindley Theatre has been successfully presenting professional Pantomime for 21 years and has firmly established a reputation for traditional family productions.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: 3 x 12 month extensions: 1ST EXTENSION: 1ST APRIL 2029 TO 31ST MARCH 2030 2ND EXTENSION: 1ST APRIL 2030 TO 31ST MARCH 2031 3RD EXTENSION: 1ST APRIL 2031 TO 31ST MARCH 2032

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fff4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050009-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

92 - Recreational, cultural and sporting services


CPV Codes

92300000 - Entertainment services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£390,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£390,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£390,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
3 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 May 20261 months ago
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
HALTON BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WIDNES
Postcode
WA8 7QF
Post Town
Warrington
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD7 Merseyside
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD71 East Merseyside
Delivery Location
TLD71 East Merseyside

Local Authority
Halton
Electoral Ward
Central & West Bank
Westminster Constituency
Widnes and Halewood

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

NEW PANTOMIME PRODUCTIONS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fff4-2026-05-28T08:33:28+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-28T08:33:28+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fff4",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PLTJ-1788-CBLR",
            "name": "Halton Borough Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PLTJ-1788-CBLR"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Municipal Building",
                "locality": "Widnes",
                "postalCode": "WA8 7QF",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKD71"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@halton.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-02396853",
            "name": "NEW PANTOMIME PRODUCTIONS LIMITED",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "02396853"
            },
            "additionalIdentifiers": [
                {
                    "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                    "id": "PHJH-3959-VQDX"
                }
            ],
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "First Floor Unit 12, Compass Point Ensign Way",
                "locality": "Southampton",
                "postalCode": "SO31 4RA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ35"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "simonbarrypantomime@gmail.com"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.facebook.com/newpantomimepro?",
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PLTJ-1788-CBLR",
        "name": "Halton Borough Council"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fff4",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of a Seasonal Pantomime",
        "description": "Halton Borough Council is seeking an experienced production company to work with the Council to produce an annual Pantomime over the next three years 2026-2029 at the Brindley Theatre, Runcorn. The Brindley Theatre is Halton's 21-year-old, purpose-built theatre situated in Runcorn, Cheshire. The building is fully accessible and includes a 424-seat proscenium arch theatre (less up to 13 seats for sound desk positions), wheelchair access, 119 flexible Studio space, Library, Education Room, Bar and Cafe. All public parking is provided free of charge. The Brindley Theatre is a previous winner of the National Lottery Best Arts Project in the UK and also holds a Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence. The annual schedule is balanced between a mixed programme of professional work across all the art forms and community, commercial hires and classes. The current season can be viewed online at www.thebrindley.org.uk. Tickets for all Theatre and Studio events can be purchased in person, by telephone or online. The Brindley Theatre has been successfully presenting professional Pantomime for 21 years and has firmly established a reputation for traditional family productions.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "92300000",
                        "description": "Entertainment services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKD71",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 468000,
            "amount": 390000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": false,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "How to Access the RFQ Documentation: To view the full specification, access the Request for Quotation documentation and requirements, and to register your interest in this opportunity please visit the Council's e-tendering portal: www.the-chest.org.uk Search for Project ID: DN799333",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-03T14:00:00Z"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-27T16:00:00Z"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 468000,
                    "amount": 390000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality - 100%",
                            "description": "100% Quality Fixed Price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 100,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2032-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "3 x 12 month extensions: 1ST EXTENSION: 1ST APRIL 2029 TO 31ST MARCH 2030 2ND EXTENSION: 1ST APRIL 2030 TO 31ST MARCH 2031 3RD EXTENSION: 1ST APRIL 2031 TO 31ST MARCH 2032"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "000608-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000608-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-01-06T11:44:03Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "status": "active",
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-02396853",
                    "name": "NEW PANTOMIME PRODUCTIONS LIMITED"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "92300000",
                            "description": "Entertainment services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKD71",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "awardID": "1",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2032-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "3 x 12 month extensions: 1st Extension: 1st April 2029 to 31st March 2030 2nd Extension: 1st April 2030 to 31st March 2031 3rd Extension: 1st April 2031 to 31st March 2032"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 468000,
                "amount": 390000,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": false,
            "dateSigned": "2026-05-20T00:00:00+01:00",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "050009-2026",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050009-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-05-28T08:33:28+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}