WELLINGTON Pantomime Group’s Once Upon a Time in Pantoland at the Wellesley Cinema proved a big hit this year with 90 per cent of the show’s seats sold.

The show, which ran over five days, attracted nearly 2,000 with the attendance described as ‘exceptionally good’ this year.

“It is difficult to say at the moment how much we will make, but we know that we will definitely cover our costs,” said one of the show’s officials.

“It will take about two weeks before we know exactly what our expenses will be. Audiences were also able to make donations and these will go to the St Margaret’s Hospice at Bishops Hull.”

Show director Steph Colman said after Sunday’s final show: “It was fabulous - and the feedback has been tremendous. We had a big cast - young and not so young - and some new faces.

"It was a new script and I was allowed to tweet it. It was wonderful to see the audiences become part of the show.”

But she admitted: “It was hard work. I don’t think people realise the hours of work which goes into the show by everyone - and it’s all voluntary. You have to have belief in what you are doing.

“We will be pitching for the next show at the end of next month."