Shrewsbury panto breaks box office records

Sleeping Beauty, Theatre Severn 2024. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography

As the curtain comes down on Shrewsbury’s pantomime season, Theatre Severn has confirmed this year’s production of Sleeping Beauty has broken all Box Office records.

With an extra week added to satisfy demand, the show opened on 29 November and closed on 12 January after 76 performances. Theatre Severn reported that over 44,700 people attended the show, making it the Theatre’s most successful pantomime to date.

The pantomime marked the thirteenth collaboration between Theatre Severn and Evolution Productions and was written and produced by Telford-born Paul Hendy. Shropshire’s legendary Dame and Director Brad Fitt returned with Tommy J Rollason (Britain’s Got Talent), alongside a talented cast of West End performers and local juvenile dancers.

Councillor Lezley Picton, Leader of Shropshire Council said

Sleeping Beauty was clearly a prince of a production at the Theatre this winter. I’d like to thank our loyal audiences who turn out year upon year and everyone at the theatre who helped bring a little Christmas sparkle to the winter months. In true theatre style the show must go on, and work is already underway to bring Dick Whittington to the stage later this year. It is generating huge interest and is sure to be another resounding success.

Theatre Services Manager David Jack said

We are continually blown away by the support we receive year after year as the pantomime continues to grow and attract bigger audiences. It is a special time of the year for the venue and it’s wonderful to welcome audiences of every generation, here to be entertained and have fun together. I’d like to say a huge thank you to our fantastic company, backstage crew, Evolution Productions and all the theatre staff who have worked so hard to bring another successful season to Shrewsbury.

The cast of Sleeping Beauty at Theatre Severn 2024. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography.

Theatre Severn confirmed that tickets for next year’s pantomime Dick Whittington, are already selling fast with audiences snapping up over 17,000 tickets in the opening weeks since they went on sale.

Tickets are available from the Box Office at Theatre Severn (01743 281281) or online at theatresevern.co.uk