THEATRE Royal Winchester is celebrating Christmas early with record breaking sales for Cinderella. Over 17,300 tickets have been sold so far, smashing the record of 17,103 set by Snow White in 2013.

Although the pantomime is nearly sold out, the Jewry Street venue hopes to see the figure go even higher as there are still tickets available for New Year’s Day. Cinderella ends on 2 January.

Theatre Royal Winchester’s Business Director Anita White said: “We are so pleased to have achieved this record. It is a tribute to all our staff but in particular the creative team headed by James Barry and Simon Slater and of course the wonderful cast. Our reputation for producing an excellent traditional panto has grown and grown. Many people are saying this is our best panto yet.”

She added: “A successful pantomime makes an essential contribution to keeping Theatre Royal Winchester open for the community throughout the year.”

There is a limited number of tickets available from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk and on 01962 840440.