.png)
Beccles Public Hall and Theatre has a record-breaking opening weekend for their Panto
Updated: Feb 6
Monday 19th December 2022
Beccles Public Hall and Theatre has a record-breaking opening weekend for their Panto, Cinderella.
The Beccles Public Hall and Theatre stage has been filled with festive sparkle this Christmas as they opened this year’s Pantomime, Cinderella, to record-breaking bookings.
The show at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre, which opened Saturday 17th December 2022 with two performances has seen a record number of tickets purchased compared to previous years. Opening weekend of the pantomime consisted for 4 performances, a matinee and evening performance on both Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th December. All performances saw nearly full occupancy. Beccles Public Hall and Theatre can seat a total of 234 people with a theatre style set up, depending on booking configuration and accessible requirements. Many of the shows in this year’s run of performances are sold out or close to selling out.
All performances at the Hall help to fundraise for the running costs and maintenance of the Hall which is a charity. The money from this year’s ticket sales will go some way to meeting the ongoing costs of the Hall, which includes the ever-increasing energy bills. The Hall appreciates all ticket purchases, but still relies heavily on donations and the local community to help raise the much needed funds to keep the Hall as a facility for all in Beccles.
Donna Hodds, Marketing Manager for Beccles Public Hall and Theatre commented, “it is so wonderful to see so many people booking to see this year’s pantomime at the Hall. We have so many people comment that the tickets are such good value for money, which we think is one of the main reasons we have sold so many tickets this year.”
The Hall has been hosting Pantos since 2018, when a local survey showed that the residents of Beccles would love to see a pantomime in the town. Around the same time, producer of this year’s panto, Ryan Holt approached the Hall with the idea of putting on Sleeping Beauty as a pantomime in Beccles. Since then, Beccles has seen Pantos produced by Ryan in 2019 and 2021. With there being a short break from festive performance in 2020 due to covid restrictions.
When speaking to Ryan about his love of pantomime and theatre production he said, “producing a pantomime is always something I had wanted to do, I just needed a venue. When I approached the Hall about me producing a panto for them it was a risk – but it paid off. And since 2018 we haven’t looked back. The pantos in Beccles just keep going from strength to strength.”
Pantomimes in Beccles have proved popular since they launched in 2018, with Sleep Beauty being the first. Dick Whittington followed in 2019 and then Snow White in 2021. This year’s pantomime of Cinderella has been the most popular yet. It sets the bar very high for 2023’s pantomime which has already been announced as Jack and the Beanstalk.
The Hall has asked audiences from this weekend’s performances for their feedback. Here’s what they had to say:
The entertainment suited all ages from young to old and we were kept entertained with no dull spots for the entire show. A great evening, thank you.
Great cast, wonderful performance as always.
Incredible show, all of the cast were fantastic. Such a professional show and so funny.
It was hilarious, I laughed the whole way through.
We come every year and love it.
Cinderella is at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre now, running from 17th December 2022 to 2nd January 2023.
Tickets are just £12 for under 18s and £14 for adults. Family tickets are available for just £48.
To book tickets visit the box office or call 01502 770 060, Monday to Saturday between 10am and 3pm, or visit www.becclespublichall.co.uk
<ends>
Photos by Alan Lyall - https://www.awlpix.com
Alan provides event photography on a volunteer basis for The Hall.
Record breaking figures taken from in house analysis of ticket purchases from 2022, 2021, 2019 and 2018. Showing 2022 with the most tickets sold for the opening weekend of the Pantomime compared to previous years.
Media Contact:
Donna Hodds
Marketing Manager
About Beccles Public Hall and Theatre
The vision of the Beccles Public Hall directors and management team is to develop a centrally located facility where local people can access and enjoy a wide range of activities from events, concerts, and performances to special interest groups.
Our project aims to provide the Public Hall, for the first time in its history, a management structure that will ensure its long-term future. This new energy will drive the project forward, bringing fresh ideas, uses and sustainability.
Beccles Public Hall and Theatre is a registered charity. Registered Charity No. 1132102
All ticket sales are fundraising for the Hall.
Beccles Public Hall is owned by BLL (Beccles Lido Limited).
Beccles Lido Limited is a company limited by guarantee.
Registered in England No. 06805012.