ORGANISERS of an 'old-fashioned live pantomime' in Wallingford say there is still demand for shows after 2,500 people watched Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves at the town's Corn Exchange Theatre.

Wallingford’s Sinodun Players say 95 per cent of tickets were sold for 15 performances, after the show finished last weekend.

READ AGAIN:

- Rock ‘n’ roll panto reopens theatre after £650k revamp

- Oooh aargh me hearties! Who is up for a pirate panto?

- New fundraising drive at Corn Exchange in Wallingford

Caroline Wilkes, directing for the first time, said the demand for a traditional panto with outrageous costumes, characters and simple fun is as high as it’s ever been - despite so much entertainment being available at the touch of a button.

She said: “We do everything from within our own resources.

“The musicians, actors, dance choreographers and singers are all members of the Sinodun Players and we work really hard to make it a highlight of the winter.

“January can be a bleak time after the Christmas festivities have finished, the weather is often horrible and it’s cold and dark. But they’ll come out for the colour and the spectacle of our show - it gives everyone a lift at a low time.”

Profits from the pantomime go to the maintenance of the Corn Exchange which has undergone major building works and refurbishment in the last 18 months.

Sinodun Players next show will be Dead Funny by Terry Johnston in April.