Ticket sales for the Beccles Christmas pantomime have smashed all box office records making it the most successful ever.
Beccles Public Hall welcomed more than 2,000 people through the doors to enjoy Robin Hood over the 2017 seasonal period.
The show, produced by Spark Live Pantomime’s, attracted a 40pc rise in audience numbers from the previous year, plunging extra cash into the theatre and local economy.
The company has already announced its return for the fourth year running, with Sleeping Beauty beginning on December 21, 2018.
Ryan Holt, producer and director, said he was absolutely thrilled with the success of the show and the audience reaction.
“Ticket sales were absolutely phenomenal, we were completely overwhelmed really,” he said. “It’s the most successful pantomime production we have produced in the town and we were so happy with how it went.
“We had such great reviews all over social media, so this year we have got to up our game even more. There will spectacular special effects and surprises and I want to add a new element to the show, which I can’t reveal yet, but it will be really exciting.
“We have got Scenic Projects and S&S Sound and Lighting Hire back on board and we are hoping that many of last year’s cast will be back.”
Tickets for Sleeping Beauty went on sale during the 2017 run and audiences haven’t held back from snapping them up a year in advance.
Mr Holt said: “I want to thank all the cast, crew, theatre staff and the public who supported us.”
James Aggett, general manager at Beccles Public Hall, said the pantomime had enticed people through the doors who hadn’t previously visited the theatre.
He said: “We could have accommodated 2,300 people over the entire run at full capacity and the panto attracted just over 2,000 people - more than we have ever had.
“We are really pleased about the success of the show, it has helped to raise £5,000 for the theatre, which will go back into the coffers towards its future development.”
Christine Pinsent, vice chairman of Beccles Business Association, said the pantomime had benefitted the local economy with an influx of people shopping and eating in the town before and after the show.
Sleeping Beauty will be performed at Beccles Public Hall from December 21 to December 31 and tickets are on sale now.
An early bird saving applies to anyone booking between now and June 30.
To book, call the box office on 01502 770060 or visit www.becclespublichall.com
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