Beauty and the Beast was the best ever!

Beauty and the Best!

Last year’s pantomime proved to be an absolute knockout, delivering a fully-packed punch of festive fun to over 21,000 attendees.

Beauty and the Beast enjoyed a hugely successful run, smashing last year’s sales figures by 11% and attracting a total of 21,203 visitors, including 43 schools and plenty of happy school children.

Pupils from Kimbolton St. James Primary School were particularly quick to salute the show. Charlotte from class 3 admired the “discolights” that “lit up the stage like a twinkling series of stars”, whilst Molly said “the pantomime was extraordinary.”

The Courtyard’s Christmas Appeal, which ran alongside the pantomime and partnered with local charity, Herefordshire Riding for the Disabled (RDA), was also very successful and raised over £10,000 for the two charities. RDA Herefordshire is dedicated to improving the quality of life for disabled people of all ages, through equine therapeutic activities including riding, carriage driving and horsemanship.

Lisa Millman, RDA Herefordshire Centre Manager, said,

“Working with The Courtyard has been fantastic, and we are so grateful for the generous support from Panto audiences. It has made a huge difference to our charity in raising awareness of the activities we provide to the community, as well as much needed funds to keep our Centre at Holme Lacey running. Funds raised from the Appeal will go towards the purchase of a bespoke saddle for some of our severely physically disabled riders, as well as caring for our amazing horses and ponies.”

The Courtyard’s Chief Executive, Ian Archer, praised everyone involved both behind the scenes and in the spotlight;

“I am so pleased at the success of Beauty and the Beast and so proud of the hard-working team here at The Courtyard who made it happen. It is always a pleasure to produce the pantomime and work with such a great group of professional up and coming actors. I’m looking forward to Aladdin already!”

Tickets are already on sale for this year’s Courtyard pantomime, Aladdin, which will run from Saturday 26 November 2016 – Saturday 7 January 2017. If you’re ready for the next round then book your tickets for Aladdin online here, or for more information call the box office on 01432 340555.

P.S. Have you seen the hilarious Blankety Blank sketch made with the cast of Beauty & The Beast? Catch it again here…