Producers of this year’s record-breaking Aladdin Christmas pantomime in Shrewsbury have been re-hired for the next two years, theatre bosses have revealed.

Theatre manager Peter Nicholson said he was delighted with the success of Aladdin at the Theatre Severn, which has been written and produced by TV star Paul Hendy, who is originally from Shropshire.

He said an agreement had already been put in place for Mr Hendy’s production company Evolution to take charge of Theatre Severn’s pantomimes for the next two years.

He said it has been decided that next year’s show would be Jack and the Beanstalk, with tickets already on sale.

“A lot of schools have already booked for next year and we are very encouraged by sales for next year. Planning has already started for the event,” he said.

The news comes as it was revealed earlier this week that the pantomime broke office records with more than 32,000 tickets sold.

Its production of Aladdin has surpassed the number of sales made by the Shrewsbury theatre for last year’s panto, Cinderella, when just under 31,000 tickets were sold across the run.

“We have now sold 32,000 tickets and we still have two selling weeks left. Next week is pretty full but we still have some available in the final week, which is the first week of January,” said Mr Nicholson.

Mr Nicholson said about 82 per cent of the tickets had been sold across the course of the run.

“Last year, we sold just 31,000, so we are 1,000 up on last year and they are still flying out the door as we speak,” he added.

“The feedback we have had has been incredible – people have been saying it is very funny.”

Mr Nicholson said he believes one of the reasons behind the success had been the decision to spend money on the production rather than celebrities and soap stars to take the lead roles.

“The star is the show itself. The production values are huge – for example, this year we have gone back to a live band. It certainly adds to the show and the band is part of the show.”

The show will run at the theatre in Frankwell until January 8. Call (01743) 281281 for tickets.

By Chris Burn