Curtain Comes Down On Record Breaking Shrewsbury Panto

The curtain has come down on the final performance of Beauty and the Beast, which has been centre stage during panto season at Theatre Severn in Shrewsbury.

Beauty and the Beast opened on 30 November and closed on 8 January after 67 performances, and the production was extended by an extra week this year to satisfy demand. Theatre Severn reported that 96% of tickets were sold with over 41,000 people attending the show, including more than 10,000 local school children and teachers. 

The pantomime marked the eleventh collaboration between Theatre Severn and Evolution Productions and was written and produced by Telford-born Paul Hendy. Shropshire’s favourite Dame and Director Brad Fitt returned alongside a talented cast to bring audiences a fun-filled performance full of fantastic music, beautiful costumes, and hilarious comedy. 

“Audiences have flocked to our theatre for the extended panto season, and it has been enormously well received. People have shown their love for the tradition of panto and our staff at Theatre Severn, both backstage and front of house have helped make it a memorable occasion for thousands of people. Praise must also go to Evolution Pantomimes, Brad Fitt as our dame/ director and producer Paul Hendy for delivering yet another magical production, and we are already preparing for the next season when our theatre will be hosting Jack and the Beanstalk.”

 “After 67 performances the curtain has fallen on what has been a spectacular run for Beauty and the Beast at Theatre Severn. I’d like to say a huge thank you to our amazing company, the backstage crew, Evolution Pantomimes and all the theatre staff who have worked tirelessly to bring another successful season to Shrewsbury. Also, to the 41,000 people who came through our doors and helped make the shows so much fun for us all – you all helped make the magic happen.”

Theatre Severn confirmed that tickets for next year’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, are already selling fast with audiences snapping up over 17,000 tickets in the opening weeks since they went on sale. Tickets are available from the Box Office at Theatre Severn (01743 281281) or online at theatresevern.co.uk