A RECORD-BREAKING 17,400 people attended the Palace Theatre's pantomime over the festive season- which starred comedy impressionist Tony Rudd as Wacky Willie.

Beauty and the Beast, which ran from December 5 to 31, sold 90 per cent of its seats.

The production also featured soap star and Dancing on Ice champion Sam Attwater as Gaston, the local lothario and Bad Girls and Emmerdale vixen, Nicole Faraday as the Witch.

A spokesman for theatrical management team Paul Holman Associates (PHA) said: "PHA would like to extend massive congratulations to the splendid cast and to all of the theatre staff and volunteers who work in this beautiful theatre.

"This has been a colossal season represented by many sell out performances.

"We are so grateful for the messages and reviews we have so far received from the people of Redditch, and it is all thanks to everyone working on the show."

They added that more than 188 tickets have already been sold for next year’s traditional family pantomime, Snow White, which will feature the return of Redditch’s favourite Rudd as Ruddles.

The festive pantomimes are run as a partnership between Paul Holman Associates and Redditch’s Palace Theatre.