Published Tuesday 1 February 2022 at 15:29
King George’s Hall’s centenary year has got off to a bang with its pantomime attracting record breaking audiences – oh yes it did!
Breaking all previous pantomime box office records, the spectacular showing of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, featuring Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones as the Evil Queen, brought in 21,000 spectators.
This year marks a milestone for the grand Blackburn building – which is celebrating 100 years of hosting musicians and acts.
In 2021, the celebrations kicked off with a fun-filled centenary party and an exclusive concert from the prestigious Halle Orchestra, who opened the venue exactly a century ago. The venue has also been inviting memories from gig-goers and theatre fans as part of their ‘walls have ears’ campaign.
Now, their attention has turned to an act-packed calendar of events for 2022 – including this year’s panto – Jack and The Beanstalk.
Councillor Damian Talbot, Lead for Culture at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:
The panto was a truly spectacular end-of-year treat and a record-breaking performance, despite all the challenges we faced in 2021.
Tickets for shows usually go on sale nine months before opening but due to coronavirus restrictions, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs could only be advertised from September. This makes achieving record breaking audiences an even greater achievement – a superb start to King George’s Hall’s centenary year.
Produced by Shone Productions Ltd and managed by James Shone, the fabulously festive show was full of adventure, laughs and romance, receiving rave reviews from audiences delighted to be back at King George’s Hall.
Families and friends were captivated by beautiful scenery, 3D special effects, a live band and dazzling dance routines in this immersive, feel-good, family favourite.
Councillor Talbot added:
I know that the team at King George’s Hall are eager to thank every single audience member who attended, cheered and booed during Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
In turn I’d like to say a big thank you to them – they spent lockdown working hard to ensure King George’s Hall could quickly be back to its best.
The past 18 months have been very difficult for the hospitality industry, and it is fantastic to see people back in their seats, creating precious memories and supporting live performances once again.
Tickets are already on sale for the 2022 panto – Jack and the Beanstalk, running from 10 December 2022. To book, please visit www.BWDVenues.com