Published Date:
07 January 2010

By Fiona Thompson

Theatre bosses have already started taking ticket bookings for their next pantomime as they celebrate their most successful festive show.
The Gala, in Durham, has just finished its second in-house panto, Dick Whittington, which has broken a record as the venue’s most financially successful show of its own making.

Gala Director Simon Stallworthy said: “Two years ago, when we took the decision to bring our pantomime in-house, we had no idea how it would fare.

“I’m delighted that Dick Whittington has continued the trend that Aladdin started last year, and panto is now thriving at Gala.”

The 2010 pantomime, Cinderella, has already sold hundreds of tickets.
The Gala has confirmed that Fence Houses actor Donald McBride will return as one of the ugly sisters.

The team hopes to make more announcements soon about familiar faces who will make up the cast.

Mr Stallworthy added: “We’ve developed the relationship with our audience over the last couple of years and they know they’ll get a high quality show at affordable prices.

“We hope that Cinderella will deliver even more, and we promise magical and spectacular scenery, incredible transformation scenes and maybe even some live animals.”

Cinderella will run from Wednesday, December 1, to Saturday, January 8.
Ticket prices will remain at 2009 levels. To book, call the box office on 332 4041 or visit the website at www.galadurham.co.uk

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