Liverpool theatre’s Christmas production proved so popular with theatregoers that some returned up to 10 times to see it. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre says it festive production of Cinderella was its most successful Christmas pantomime ever with audience numbers soaring 20%.

As the curtain fell on the final performance, the cast was told the show has played to over 3,000 more theatregoers than previous Christmas pantos. Some audience members apparently loved the show so much that they returned as many as 10 times.

Regal Entertainments’ inaugural Christmas production at the Epstein ran from December 7 to January 5 and starred Emmerdale’s Sammy Winward (Cinderella), Benidorm’s Crissy Rock and Brookside’s Sarah White (the Ugly Sisters), Shameless’ Warren Donnelly (Lord Dandini), Andrew Geater (Prince Charming), Samantha Palin (the Fairy Godmother) and Lewis Devine (Buttons).

Playing to packed houses, Cinderella earned five-star reviews throughout its run, with critics describing it as: “An evening of pure, unfiltered joy.” (Fairy Powered Productions), “A great fun, family show, with a wonderful ensemble cast, that will have you grinning throughout.” (Opening Night) and lauding “An outstanding cast, a beyond-brilliant script and unique special effects,” (Writebase). 

Producer and director, Chantelle Nolan, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Cinderella has been such a big success with audiences across Merseyside. Our cast and crew worked incredibly hard to create a fun, festive show that would appeal to all ages. 

“Discovering that we’ve broken the Epstein Theatre’s box office records for any panto is the icing on the cake.  We can’t wait to do it all again at Easter.”

Regal Entertainments returns to The Epstein Theatre in April with Easter Pantomime, Beauty and The Beast, starring Channel 5 Milkshake’s Amy Thompson as Belle, Lewis Devine as French Frank, James Lacey as The Beast, Phillip McGuinness as Gaston and Sarah Walker as Fairy Rose. Click here for more details.