Last year’s Courtyard pantomime was its most successful ever, with over 21,000 attendees.

Beauty and the Beast enjoyed a hugely successful run, beating last year’s sales figures by 11 per cent and attracting a total of 21,203 visitors, including 43 schools.

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 which will be split evenly between 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.”

Ian Archer, Chief Executive at The Courtyard, said, “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.

For more information on live productions coming up at The Courtyard in the meantime, visit www.courtyard.org.uk or contact the Box Office on 01432 340555.