PRIME Minister Andrew Holness’s announcement on Sunday of a December 29 election date has resulted in very little disruption to a number of entertainment events planned for this season.

Some promoters say they are going ahead with plans for events scheduled over the next three weeks, while others are watching developments carefully.

Barbara Gloudon of the Little Theatre Movement — producers of the annual pantomime — said as customary for the past 70 years, the show will open on Boxing Day, December 26. The production will also run the day after. However, there will be a break in the days leading up to the elections. This year’s pantomime, Anansi and Goat Head Soup will return to the stage at the Little Theatre on New Year’s Day to commence its five-month run.

There is no change of plans for the 27th annual staging of the one-night reggae festival Sting. Promoter Isaiah Laing tells The Observer that there will be no change of date for the Boxing Day event, and his team is moving full steam ahead with plans.

“We were always aware that the election would come around the time slated for our event, but we are confident that this year Sting will go off without a hitch, and with increased funds being in circulation persons will come out and enjoy themselves,” he said.

Studio 38 in New Kingston has become a popular venue for the staging of live concerts. Pulse’s Kingsley Cooper, operators of Studio 38, said he is somewhat affected by the timing of the elections. He noted that while he does have events planned for the season he is staying clear of the week leading up to the elections. He said he would be watching the developments to see if they would affect the plans he intends to make.

For actress and theatre producer Dahlia Harris, the December 29 polls should have little or no effect on the December 27 opening of her latest production, Back-a-Yaad.

” I also think that it is important that amidst the possible tension patrons should know that there is a positive and uplifting outlet. The play is a light-hearted, feel-good, family show … the election makes its staging even more relevant,” she said.

Harris was, however, careful to point out that there will be no shows on the actual election day.