Lowther panto sets new record

Cinderella, produced by Polka Dot Pantomimes, shattered previous records, with audience figures 45 per cent up on 2014.

Total attendance was 8,603 across 28 performances, an average of 307 per show which compared to an average attendance of 196 over 27 performances 12 months earlier.

Attendances at the 2014 staging of Aladdin and His Magic Lamp, which marked Polka Dot’s debut at the Lytham theatre, were in turn seven per cent up on the audience figues from the previous year.

Lowther manager Roger McCann said: “We’re delighted. Pantomime season is always a magical time in the theatre and there’s nothing better than seeing the excitement and anticipation of children arriving and the wide-eyed wonder as they leave.

“The feedback from audiences has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re looking forward to next year’s pantomime, which will be Jack and the Beanstalk.

Polka Dot, based in Lincoln and who have a long history of staging pantomimes all over the country, took over the production of Lowther’s seasonal production for the first time in 2014 following a tendering process after locally-based Pendle Productions had staged pantos there for the previous four years.

Producer Darren Maddison said: “We are thrilled with the success of Cinderella and delighted that so many people chose to support it.

“It is great to see audience numbers build on a yearly basis and I think it is because the Lowther Pavilion provides a traditional family pantomime that boasts spectacular scenery, dazzling costumes and a West End cast that provides fantastic value for money.

“We are really pleased the local community attended our pantomime and look forward to producing next year’s giant of a pantomime that is guaranteed to be Fe Fi Fo Fun for all – Jack And The Beanstalk.

“We would like to thank Roger and his staff at the Lowther who all work tirelessly to ensure that the pantomime is a great success.”