With just under 50,000 people attending, the Norwich Theatre Royal's most recent panto was the highest-grossing in its history. 

Jack and the Beanstalk ran from December 10 until January 7 at the city venue, with Hollyoaks actor Joe Tracini in the title role.

It also starred comedian Rufus Hound, Casualty's Amanda Henderson, EastEnders' Dayle Hudson and Karl Minns, one-half of Norfolk comedy duo The Nimmo Twins, as the voice of the giant. 

Norwich Evening News: Casualty's Amanda Henderson as Pat the Cow in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy Casualty's Amanda Henderson as Pat the Cow in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy (Image: Richard Jarmy)

The run included 31 sell-out performances and the venue welcomed audiences from 15 countries, including Australia, America and Singapore. 

The panto also won glowing praise from audiences and critics alike thanks to its talented cast and original script.

The local links were cemented with another stunning set from the Lowestoft-based Scenic Projects, who have a long-standing relationship with Norwich Theatre.

Norwich Evening News: Richard Gauntlett as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy Richard Gauntlett as Dame Trott in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy (Image: Richard Jarmy)

As well as a creative success, the theatre raised more than £12,000 in its Christmas Appeal, which this year raised money for its Theatre of Possibility programme.

Fundraising included a wishing well in the foyer and contributions from the sale of merchandise, including 924 cow toys, 85 mince pies and 788 hot ciders.

Theatre of Possibility is a programme of work dedicated to supporting the well-being of young people experiencing severe challenges in their life.

Norwich Evening News: Linda John-Pierre as Fairy Fullobeans in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard JarmyLinda John-Pierre as Fairy Fullobeans in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy (Image: Richard Jarmy)

Stephen Crocker, chief executive and creative director, said: "Norwich is one of the few theatre venues that produces its own panto.

"We begin every time with a blank sheet of paper and are in control of the story we tell and how we tell it.

"One of the things audiences have responded positively to in particular is the modern way in which we told the traditional story of Jack and the Beanstalk: without ending in a traditional love story and with a message of female self-empowerment.

Norwich Evening News: Dayle Hudson as Nightshade in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy Dayle Hudson as Nightshade in Jack and the Beanstalk. Picture: Richard Jarmy (Image: Richard Jarmy)

"This has been our highest performing panto at the box office ever and really highlights a shift from past apprehension about going out, to having fun together often with several generations of family. It's been very special.”

Tickets are on sale now for the 2023/24 panto Sleeping Beauty, with a 15pc discount until February 28.