It was a fairytale ending in Consett after the town hosted its most popular pantomime to date.
Panto season may be over but the cast of Beauty and the Beast at The Empire Theatre in Consett are still celebrating after the show attracted record audience numbers to the venue.
North East actress and producer Leah Bell not only wrote and directed the production but starred as the loveable Mrs Penelope Potts. She is delighted Beauty and the Beast was such a hit and is dreaming up a host of treats and surprises for this year’s show, Snow White.
Tickets are already on sale for the production and people are urged to book now to avoid missing out.
Leah, who has been producing the theatre’s pantomime for almost a decade, said: “Sometimes everything just clicks into place and this December in Consett was one of those times.
“The audience reaction was great. There is always a warm and friendly atmosphere in the theatre during pantomime season but this year it seemed extra special.
“I can’t wait to get started on Snow White, which will have some magical surprises in it.”
Beauty and the Beast ran throughout December and was enjoyed by almost 13,000 people. Alongside Leah, it starred comedian Finbar Healy, son of the late North East entertainer Brendan Healy, Harriet Povey and James de Lauch Hay.
Nicola Dailly, arts programme manager at The Empire Theatre and Cinema, said: “We are thrilled so many people experienced the magic of our festive panto. Leah is such a talented pantomime producer and we are really looking forward to working with her again this year.”
Snow White runs from Saturday, 30 November to Tuesday, 31 December. Tickets are on sale now priced at £17, £15 for concessions or £56 for a family of four. To book, visit www.empireconsett.co.uk or call 03000 262 400.
