Rush for Shrewsbury panto seats ahead of next season

Tickets for next year's production of Cinderella at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn are now outselling this year's pantomime Dick Whittington which does not finishing its run at the theatre in Frankwell until January 10,

Craig Reeves, marketing manager at Theatre Severn, said he was delighted.

He said: "Tickets for Cinderella next year are selling quicker so far than we've seen before.

"It's looking good with about 6,000 tickets either sold or reserved.

"It's the larger parties such as the schools who have got their tickets reserved already.

"People realise they need to get in early in order to see the showing of their choice. It's great news."

Mr Reeves said it is hoped next year's pantomime will break this year's anticipated attendance record. Some 38,000 people are expected to have visited the theatre to see Dick Whittington.

Mr Reeves said: "We're doing what we can to allow us to break the record as we're putting on an extra performance for next year, taking the number of shows up to 66."

He said the key to the pantomime's popularity was consistent good quality.

He said: "I think these early ticket sales are fantastic and a real testament to the quality of the shows and cast.

"I've got to say our pantomime really is one of the best around, they do a fantastic job every year and that's why people come back time and time again."

Members of the cast include fan favourite Brad Fitt, who this year returned as director and also starred in the show as Dolly the Cook, as well as BBC Radio Shropshire's Eric Smith.

Mr Reeves said there are still a number of tickets left for this year's production but urged people to snap them up fast.

Dick Whittington runs until January 10. The remaining tickets are available from the box office at Theatre Severn.