THIS year's panto in Clacton is the most successful production ever staged at the Princes Theatre.

Jack and the Beanstalk, starring Coronation Street’s Charlie Condou, pulled in 274 more people than last year’s box office smash Peter Pan.

All the figures have now been totted up after the final performance and a total of 12,417 fans came through the doors compared to 12,143 last year over the three week run.

Audiences have continued to rise since professional pantos were put on in 2009. In that year 5,618 tickets were sold.

Polka Dot Pantomimes, based in Lincolnshire, have produced the last four in association with Tendring Council, which operates the Princes.

Mark Platt, council events and culture boss, said: "Ever since we linked up with Polka Dot we have seen a real resurgence in audience figures and we now have a well tried and tested formula.

“Peter Pan in 2013 with Jeff Brazier was 40 per cent up on the previous year and that was always going to be a tough act to follow.

“It was touch and go throughout, but a last minute surge for tickets meant the final performance was well attended and we went past the target. It is a real testament to Polka Dot and the cast that they continue to pack them in.”

Polka Dot Pantomimes will be back at the Princes Theatre on Saturday April 4 with the Wizard of Oz. There are two shows at 1.30pm and 4.30pm with tickets priced £12, concessions £10 and £40 for a family of four.