Free Telford panto shows help break the ice

The morning and afternoon performances on Monday were supposed to be for schools that booked seats for two shows as a treat.

But due to the wintry weather almost all of the schools shut their doors, resulting in theatre bosses making a public appeal for people to turn up to the theatre at The Place, in Oakengates, just the same.

But the audiences were asked to make a donation to the Mayor of Telford & Wrekin Councillor Stephen Reynolds' charity for the year. The proceeds will go to Severn Hospice.

The cast includes Thomas J Redgrave, of Britain’s Got Talent’s winning boy band Collabro, who stars as Peter Pan, while Jonas Cemm is Captain Hook and Mrs Smee is played by Steve Boyce.

Theatre manager Debbie King says she was over the moon with the response from the community to the appeal for audiences to come out.

"We have had more than 1,000 people attend the two shows. We have a capacity of about 550 seats for the panto and the morning performance was nearly full, while in the afternoon we were full to the rafters and unfortunately we had to turn people away.

"People were queuing outside to get in before both shows. People have given generously to the mayor's appeal. We still have tickets available and if you haven't seen it as yet come and buy your tickets."

The show, which is staged by Shone Productions, also stars comedy actor Adam Kelly as Mr Smee, singer Charlotte Griffiths as Tiger Lily, Georgina Newton as Tinkerbell and Rebecca Seyhan as Wendy.

A total of 50 performances are scheduled for the run that opened last week and seats have been selling out fast for the performances – even faster than last year's production of Sleeping Beauty.

Peter Pan is on from December 6 to 31 at The Place, Oakengates. Tickets start from just £10 and family tickets are also available.

For more information call the box office on 01952 382382 or go to theplacetelford.com