A Peter Pan panto hooked in the crowds at Sheringham Little Theatre.

More than 6000 people watched the 45 shows during the festive season.

The production played to an average of 83pc capacity at the 180-seater venue, with many of the performances sold out, said theatre director Debbie Thompson who was thrilled with the success of the panto.

'Feedback from audiences showed people loved the special effects, humour and quirkiness of the show, and the children particularly loved the puppets,' she added.

The panto included specially made puppets of Tick and Tock, the crocodiles feared by villainous Captain Hook and which are being raffled off at the end of the season, as well as projections and simulated flying scenes.

'It was an ambitious production for us. We had shied away from Pan in the past because of the flying, but we can do it now because of the strength of the technical team headed by Matt Coomber,' added Mrs Thompson.

It was also helped by having the show specially written for the small stage venue by director Nick Earnshaw.

'As a community theatre we rely very heavily on the panto and summer drama seasons which are our two main box office income generators. So a successful panto season is important to us, and we are very pleased with Peter Pan's figures this year which exceeded our budget targets.'

Next Christmas the Little Theatre's panto will be the Wizard of Oz, and will see a return of 'dame' James Lavender.

Find out more about upcoming productions at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call the box office on 01263 822347.