Tens of thousands see The Pompey Panto, Hook, at The Kings Theatre during its run as CEO hails its success

The show – dubbed the Pompey Panto, starred EastEnders’ Shaun Williamson in the title role, with The Only Way is Essex’s James Argent as Peter Pan – was a smash hit with numerous sold-out performances during its month-long run.

And the Southsea venue’s CEO has thanked those who came while explaining how important the annual pantomime is to them.

Addressing their supporters, chief executive Paul Woolf said: “It has been an amazing journey with an incredible 60,000 shipmates coming to watch the panto.

“Your support is vital to us in so many ways. Firstly, it lets us produce our own quality productions including the Pompey Panto giving us full control over the high standard and experience we create and deliver and that you have come to expect.

NOW READ: “Carefully scripted chaos” – our review of Hook at The Kings

“Secondly, it has let us proudly gift £25,000 of tickets to children and adults that would not normally be able to come to enjoy the magic of live theatre over Christmas and provides a scholarship programme which funds £25,000 for our Arts Academy.

"Thirdly, your support means we can continue producing our community productions such as the hugely popular Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last year, and Grease The Musical and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory coming up. These shows are really important to us as they provide a stage for highly talented local performers who may or may not want a career on the stage. Three of the professional cast in this year’s panto have appeared in our community productions. They also provide experience and skills for those wanting to work in the theatre such as developing the backstage crew, make up and marketing teams.”

Later this year they are planning to push ahead with major renovations which have been delayed from 2020 by Covid.

Mr Woolf added: “All contributions from our Kings productions go in the pot to maintain and improve your beautiful and iconic venue. I do not use the term ‘your venue’ lightly as we believe The Kings is here for the city. Your support provides a lifeline for us over the year allowing us to pursue our ambitious plans of improving the gallery and dressing rooms, having bigger and better shows, and finally starting work on our long-awaited regeneration scheme.”