Wow. I wasn’t expecting so many replies so quickly. Thank you so much for all your comments, some really helpful information.
As requested a little more information.
It would be radio mics. From memory for a Panto we usually get away with 12
We pretty much always perform in the same venue. It’s a theatre based in a secondary school. I was the head of music there in the past but that’s another story. I’ll be honest I don’t know the sound set up. It wasn’t something I got involved in but I can find out. And at least I know now who to ask and the kind of questions.
We do have our own rehearsal space. It is secure but I would want to check on temp and conditions before storing any sound equipment there.
And yes we do need them. I’m all for projection but with the size of the theatre even I will concede that mics are needed.
All these answers have given me a lot to think about. Sound is something I am keen to learn more about and I know feel I have a better understanding on what questions I need to be asking and who too. There’s a thriving amdram community in our area so I might reach out to find out what they do.