Panto hailed as huge success by Oakengates Theatre

Theatre bosses in Telford have hailed this year's pantomime as a huge success, with nearly three quarters of the tickets sold despite the recession.

The curtain went up at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place on Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood show, which was specially written for Telford audiences, ran from December 8 until January 2 with 40 shows.

This year's production had never been seen before, with London pantomime producers Paul Holman Associates writing a show especially for

Oakengates Theatre, with new characters, modern music and creative choreography.

Theatre manager Debbie King said they had set themselves a target to achieve the same success as the 2010/11 pantomime.

Jack and The Beanstalk sold 73 per cent of the total tickets available, which was up on the previous year, and Mrs King expects this year's panto will have achieved similar results, although the exact figures have not yet been drawn up.

She added: "We set a target to do the same and, in the current economic climate, we are pleased with how it went."

She said it was a lot harder for people this year, with less money to go around, so they happy with the outcome.

"We are really pleased with the response from audiences. They really enjoyed it and it was very funny with two very strong comedians in the show," she said.

Comedy duo Jason Francis and Neil Wheatley were back by popular demand after their performances in Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, along with Lee Waddingham as the Sheriff of Nottingham, Graeme Kinniburgh as Robin Hood, Janine Pardo as Maid Marion and Ian Ganderton as Nurse Tilly Twitter.

Thirty two local children were also involved playing Jack and Jill and the Babes.

Open auditions were held for the roles with dance and drama groups represented from across the borough.

Mrs King added: "It has gone extremely well with a lot of support from the parents, who acted as chaperones, and the kids loved it.

"They all came to the finale and were all in tears because it was over. It is nice to be give an opportunity for young people to be able to perform in a production like that," she added.

See also: