This season’s pantomime at Clacton’s Princes Theatre has broken the box office record for another year running.

In all, more than 14,400 people came to watch Aladdin, starring Cleopatra Higgins, John Altman and the rest of a stellar cast, with ticket sales up by more than £10,000 on the previous year.

Theatre goers also enjoyed more than 2,800 tubs of ice cream during the intervals!

The figure is not just up on last year’s panto, but is considerably higher than the 2009/10 season when professional pantomime came to the Princes Theatre for the first time, which saw just over 5,600 people come to see the show.

This was the fourth pantomime season with production company Anton Benson Productions at the helm; the theatre has now sought bids from a range of companies to run the next three pantos, in line with Tendring District Council’s (TDC) procurement rules, and has had significant interest.

Mick Barry, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm at TDC – which runs the theatre – said the pantomime’s continued success at the Princes Theatre was no surprise.

“It just would not be Christmas without the tradition that is pantomime, and the quality and success of previous years’ shows at the Princes Theatre has meant everyone wants to come and see it,” Councillor Barry said.

“The five-star reviews online match the big smiles on people’s faces during the show, and if you missed out this year then make sure to buy tickets for next year’s performance when they go on sale.

“I would like to give a massive thank you to the cast and crew for their hard work in putting on the show.”

The Princes Theatre has a packed schedule of shows throughout 2024. Book your tickets at www.princestheatre.co.uk or by calling 01255 686633.