TICKET sales for this winter’s pantomime season at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury have smashed box office records.

The ticket office at the Shropshire Council-owned venue confirmed that the production of Jack and the Beanstalk has set a new attendance record.

The show opened on November 29 and closed on January 7, after 71 performances.

Shropshire Council reported that more than 95 per cent of tickets were sold, and with more than 43,000 people attending the show, it is officially the theatre’s most successful pantomime since the venue opened in 2009.

The pantomime marked the twelfth 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 alongside Tommy J Rollason (Britain’s Got Talent) and a talented cast to bring audiences a performance full of fantastic music, beautiful costumes, stunning sets, and hilarious comedy.

Robert Macey, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for culture and digital, said: “Jack and the Beanstalk has proved to be a giant at the box office this winter. A huge thanks must go to everyone at the theatre who has helped make the Christmas magic for our loyal audiences.

“Evolution Productions have outdone themselves too. Delivering 71 performances and bringing such high energy to each and every show is no mean feat.

David Jack, Shropshire Council’s theatre services manager, said: “We have been blown away by the support we’ve received this winter, and delighted to share that Jack and the Beanstalk is Theatre Severn’s most successful pantomime to date.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to our amazing company, backstage crew, Evolution Productions and all the theatre staff who have worked so hard to bring another successful season to Shrewsbury.