This season’s pantomime at Oakengates Theatre @ The Place, Sleeping beauty, has been its most profitable and successful yet.

The show, featuring Bernie Clifton, Wink Taylor, Wendy Abrahams, Matt Brinkler, Craig Cowdroy and Telford’s own Xenna Kristian, sold out on several dates including Christmas Eve.

The reviews were the best the theatre had received for its pantomime, including: “Wish we could bottle the love and happiness found in this theatre yesterday and spread it throughout the world”, “Just been too see the panto and thought it was brilliant and I would recommend anybody to see it” and “Had a great evening with the family...liked it so much we're going again!!”

There were 49 performances throughout December, including two disability friendly ones, which opened up the experience to even more people.

A BSL (British Sign Language) interpreter allowed the hard of hearing to appreciate the all important punch lines and fun that every panto has to offer at one performance.

A special relaxed performance of the panto was specially designed to welcome families and groups who would benefit from a more relaxed environment, including people with an Autism Spectrum Condition, sensory and communication disorders, or a learning disability.

More than 700 panto fans looking for a traditional Christmas treat used their Telford Loyalty Cards (TLC) to secure discounted tickets for the two performances on December 19 and 29.

James Shone of Shone Productions, who brought us the pantomime, said: “This was our first year producing the pantomime for Oakengates Theatre and I am delighted at the fantastic audience feedback we have received. It proves just how popular and successful this has been. I am really looking forward to returning to the theatre later this year to deliver the next pantomime which will be popular pantomime story Peter Pan.”

Councillor Liz Clare, cabinet member for Culture, said: “We’re delighted with the success of Sleeping Beauty and the great reviews the show has received. This year’s pantomime will be another classic – Peter Pan. It will run from December 6 – 31, tickets are already on sale and its cast will be unveiled in the Spring. Keep checking the theatre’s website www.theplacetelford.com and social media pages for the latest news.”

Ticket prices for our 2017 pantomime Peter Pan are as follows:

Off Peak : Adult £17.50, Child/Concession £15.50, Family of 4 (minimum 2 children) £60, Rear Tier £10, Groups 10+ £13

Peak (21-28 December) : Adult £18.50, Child/Concession £16.50, Family of 4 (minimum 2 children) £64, Rear Tier £10.00, Groups 10+ £14

Special offer for Telford Loyalty Card holders: £12 on Monday 18 December at 6.30pm and Saturday 30 December at 11am.

A relaxed performance will take place at 11am on Sunday 17 December for which ticket prices are: Adult £17.50, Child/Concession £15.50, Family of 4 (minimum 2 children) £60, Rear Tier £10, Groups 10+ £13.

A performance with a British Sign Language interpreter will take place at 6.30pm on Tuesday 19 December for which ticket prices are: Adult £18.50, Child/Concession £16.50, Family of 4 (minimum 2 children) £64, Rear Tier £10.00, Groups 10+ £14