Record breaking panto success

Bumper numbers of panto lovers packed out The Palace in Mansfield, rounding off a successful year for the 
theatre.
Andrew TuckerAndrew Tucker
Andrew Tucker

Latest figures produced by the venue show that the it has done exceptionally well with two out of the three quarters of the current financial year out-performing the previous year.

This means that although the hugely popular pantomime this Christmas, Cinderella, has proven to be a record-breaking show, the theatre has not been solely reliant on it for its good attendance.

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Total attendance for the period April to December 2013 has also exceeded the total for the same period the previous year.

The average attendance which measures how well individual shows are attended has risen from 70% to 74%.

Andrew Tucker, Cultural Services Manager said: “I am thrilled that the figures are strong and show good growth. We are conscious that leisure spend may be the first thing people choose to cut in these difficult times, but all of the staff at the Mansfield Palace Theatre would like to thank the public most sincerely for their strong support”.

Mr Tucker added: “The audiences have come in droves to enjoy Cinderella, one of the most successful pantomimes ever staged in the Mansfield Palace Theatre.

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“The strong cast headed by Ruth Madoc and Dave Benson Phillips certainly knew how to entertain the crowds - and crowds they certainly did have! The shouts and screams from the auditorium were ear-piercing!”

Previous attendance records went tumbling as the 2007 Cinderella figure was exceeded.

Next to fall was the record set in 2006 by Su Pollard as the Wicked Queen in Snow White.

Cinderella finished on a fantastic 94% sold, tied with the 2008 production of Sleeping Beauty.

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Mr Tucker said the Palace was now looking forward, the challenge of beating that figure with this year’s attendance figures.

Tickets for this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty, have gone on sale, with 10% already.

Andrew Tucker added: “Come on Mansfield, let’s see what we can achieve this year!”

To book for Sleeping Beauty, please call the Box Office on 01623 633133 or book online at www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre