The opening weekend of a North East pantomime saw record breaking ticket sales, theatre bosses said.

Jack & The Beanstalk at Forum Theatre in Billingham opened on Saturday, December 2 with two performances which saw near sell-out crowds, resulting in a record number of tickets purchased in comparison to previous years. Four shows took place across Saturday and Sunday.

This year's pantomime features Connor McIntyre – Coronation Street’s villain Pat Phelan – playing Fleshcreep and CBBC's Almost Never star Oakley Orchard as Jack.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Jack & The Beanstalk opened at the Forum Theatre in Billingham on Saturday, December 2

Forum Theatre returning favourites include Liam Mellor as Simple Simon, Katy Allen as Fairy Beansprout, Victoria Holtom as Princess Jill and Robert Squire as Dame Trott.

Forum Theatre manager, Matt Prosser said: “We had a great opening weekend welcoming customers of all ages from across the region.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Jack & The Beanstalk opened at the Forum Theatre in Billingham on Saturday, December 2

"It is always exciting to welcome the new generation of theatre goers for their first pantomime. The panto season for many is the start of families' annual festive traditions and it is great that we can play a huge part in that.”

Darlington and Stockton Times: Jack & The Beanstalk opened at the Forum Theatre in Billingham on Saturday, December 2

Shows are running up until December 31 priced from £21. Tickets are already sold out for selected shows and several others are expected to sell out soon, so early booking is advised via the box office, calling 01642 552663 or visiting www.forumtheatrebillingham.co.uk.