Peter Pan pulling a record audience

The first pantomime at Shrewsbury's Theatre Severn has already smashed all previous box office records, delighted bosses said today.

Starring former Emmerdale actor Matt Healy, who played Matthew King in the ITV1 soap, the pantomime Peter Pan has already sold 80 per cent of tickets for the shows which begin on December 8.

The figure means that if the panto was being staged at The Music Hall, all shows would now be sold out — five weeks before it starts, and taking ticket sales to a new level.

Peter Nicholson, Theatre Severn's manager, said: "I am absolutely delighted with the response to Peter Pan and indeed Theatre Severn.

"Sales are beyond our expectations and if they continue at the same rate we will have a whole host of sell-out performances.

"It may be an old theatre cliche but you really do need to book early to avoid being disappointed - oh yes you do."

Mr Healy will take on the role of the wicked Captain Hook who is intent upon capturing the elusive Peter Pan, played by the multi-talented Martin Clark.

Joining them are Dean Winters and Kiley McDonnell who play Hook's henchmen Smee and Jovial Jake, and Vikki Sparks will be playing Tiger Lily.

There are still some tickets left for the pantomime which runs from December 8 to January 3, 2010. Call the box office on (01743) 281281.