Panto proves a big hit with audiences

But theatre bosses in Lytham are celebrating after revealing they are bucking the national trend of falling audiences, with more than 5,000 people packing into performances of Mother Goose this Christmas.

The total attendance over 37 performances of Mother Goose was 5,767, which was a few hundred up on the 2012 figure and left officials at Lowther Pavilion delighted.

“Nationally, theatre attendances have been down quite considerably on previous years so for our total to be up is very pleasing indeed,” said Tim Lince, writer-director of the panto and also acting chairman of the Lowther Trust.

“It shows just how much people appreciate a family show and sums up the appeal of Lowther Pavilion as a real family venue.

“We had a great cast and everyone really enjoyed working with the 250 local youngsters who were involved in the chorus, It was a very satisfying production all round.”

Lowther manager Mark Alexander said there could be some reconsideration of the scheduling of performances for schools early in the panto run next year after two performances were cancelled due to low ticket sales.

But he was also well satisfied with the reception for the panto, which attracted national publicity as the only professional staging of Mother Goose in the country.

“I’m a big panto fan and it was a very memorable production,” he said.

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