The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton has celebrated a record-breaking year with 600,000 people through its doors

A programme of blockbuster shows including The Lion King, Wicked and The Bodyguard together with record breaking pantomime Cinderella, brought over 600,000 visitors through its doors – the highest attendance ever in the venue’s 28 years as Mayflower Theatre.

A charitable trust, Mayflower Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre which receives no direct public funding or subsidy.

With a capacity of over 2,100 seats it is the third largest regional theatre in the UK and the largest on the south coast.

Mayflower Theatre ran at a capacity of 83 per cent for the 2014/15 period, and with an average capacity across theatres in the country of 59 per cent, it makes it one of the most visited theatres in the UK.

Its success allows it to re-invest in both the theatre and the local community. As a charitable trust one of its major achievements during the past 12 months has been engaging with over 21,000 people through its Community and Education programme.

The record breaking attendance reflects the quality of the programme. Michael Ockwell, Mayflower Chief Executive, said: “It has truly been an extraordinary year here at the theatre.

It’s been a delight to welcome people from far and wide through our doors. I cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and support.

Brian Conley and Gok Wan in Cinderella

“Having successful years like this allows us to help the theatre to thrive in its own right but more importantly it enables us to provide the very best for our local community.

“As a charitable trust we are committed to our Community and Education projects, which are proving to be a huge success; our bursary scheme supports young people in the arts and in the 2015/16 period we will be presenting four relaxed performances which are modified performances for people with autism, learning disabilities and sensory or communication needs.

“Finally, I must also thank every member of dedicated staff who work tirelessly to ensure Mayflower Theatre is the very best it can be.”

Isobel Gatward, Mayflower Theatre Chairman added, “Speaking on behalf of the Board, we are delighted that the theatre has surpassed the milestone of over 600,000 people visiting us last year.

"Who would have thought that when Mayflower Theatre was set up as a charitable trust back in 1987 our venue would become the exceptional place it is today, providing the very best in entertainment for the South.

"Thank you to Michael, and the wonderful staff of the theatre who work so hard to make our customers’ experience the very best, from the moment of their booking to their leaving the theatre after the performance.”