Telford's Peter Pan panto is a fly-away success

Although exact figures for the show have yet to be announced, Telford & Wrekin Council said that it had been their best year yet.

The theatre also revealed that free performances of the pantomime during the pre-Christmas snow had also helped to raise more than £1,200 for Severn Hospice.

They are hoping that the success can continue this Easter, when a new specially written Telford pantomime will be performed as part of the town's 50th birthday celebrations.

Pantomania, which will star children’s author and established pantomime writer Ian Billings and Phil Butler, will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Oakengates Theatre.

Councillor John Minor, Telford & Wrekin Council’s cabinet member for Leisure, said: “I am delighted that we can offer the public an Easter pantomime to celebrate both Telford’s 50th birthday and 50 years of Oakengates Theatre.

“It follows on the back of the hugely successful Christmas pantomime Peter Pan, which broke box office records.

“It also offered relaxed and signed performances which were very popular and made our panto accessible to more people."

Local performers will also get the opportunity to perform in the production. Auditions for one of the parts and also for senior dancers are being held at the theatre on January 7.

Anyone interested in the auditions should contact the theatre on 01952 382385 for more information.

Pantomania will run from Thursday, March 29, to Thursday, April 5, although there will be no performance on Sunday, April 1, which is Easter Sunday.