SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS Plays to Over 99% Capacity at Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury

A RECORD number of people saw Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs at The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury. The venue played to more than 99 per cent capacity.

The pantomime, which ended its run yesterday (Sunday), had a total attendance figure of 95,685, an average per performance of 1,153 (capacity was 96,592, making it 99.6 per cent full).

This smashed the previous record, which was for Jack And The Beanstalk (2013/14) and was seen by 90,364 people (92.5 per cent capacity).

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, starring Rita Simons (EastEnders) and Phil Gallagher (Mister Maker from CBeebies), was hailed as a huge success by the public and critics alike. The Stage newspaper (the main theatre industry publication) gave it a rare five-star review, with Susan Elkin stating: "In 20 years of reviewing pantomimes, I have never seen a better one than this."

Heart Breakfast's James Heming said: "Absolutely spectacular. Fast moving, lavish and in some parts, 4D!" The Reviews Hub (Dan English) said: "It is an innovating production that cannot be faulted and is another festive triumph for The Marlowe Theatre."

The British Theatre Guide (Simon Sladen) said it was: "A vintage year for The Marlowe Theatre and a glorious celebration of the skill and joy of pantomime performance."

While pantomime ran in the main house from Friday 27 November to Sunday 10 January, the play A Better Woman (produced by The Marlowe Theatre) was in The Marlowe Studio from Tuesday 1 December to Saturday 19 December. The total attendance for the building over the six weeks and four days (45 days) was 103,978. On average, that's 15,826 people per week, or 2,311 per day.

Marlowe Theatre Director Mark Everett said everyone had been on a high following the glowing reviews, but news of this record-breaking figure surpassed even that: "I have to pinch myself every time I see just how many people came - it's an incredible achievement and what makes it even more satisfying, is knowing that every one of those people enjoyed a fabulous and highly-entertaining show and left the building absolutely buzzing. The atmosphere throughout the six-week run was amazing. Thank you to everyone who attended.

"Thanks also to the top-rate cast, producers Evolution Productions and everyone at The Marlowe, especially our Box Office, Front of House, Housekeeping and Technical staff, who worked so incredibly hard."

Pantomime producer Paul Hendy said: "For many years The Marlowe has had a reputation for staging one of the best pantomimes in the country and we're absolutely thrilled that not only did Snow White get rave five-star reviews but it's also been the biggest ever selling pantomime in Canterbury.

"It's testament to the wonderful creative relationship we have with The Marlowe Theatre. For many years we have invested in the production values and we are passionate about giving the people of the South East a spectacular Christmas pantomime with West End standards and the very best pantomime performers in the country. We're looking forward to doing it all again next year with Dick Whittington (oh yes we are!)"

Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs was sponsored by Lipscomb Volvo, in association with Whitefriars.

Tickets are on sale for Dick Whittington, which runs at The Marlowe Theatre from Friday 25 November to Sunday 8 January 2017.