Panto smashes box office record and raises more than £9,200 for charities

This year’s production of Rapunzel at the School’s EM Forster Theatre was an outstanding success, beating its own box office record and attracting five-star reviews from critics and audiences.

Despite a difficult year due to Covid-19, the Wicked Productions show managed to beat the previous record set in 2019.

A committed and supportive audience came in their thousands to watch a production filled with fantastic scenery and costumes, special effects, fabulous dancing and above all plenty of laughs and slapstick.

Donations were taken for two local charities throughout the year, both online and after panto performances in bucket collections. More than £9,200 was raised for the Tonbridge Lions Club and Rotary Club of Tonbridge, which will be used to support local causes. Both charities received their donations at a special presentation at the EM Forster Theatre (pictured above).

Kat Portman Smith, Theatre Manager, said: “We were thrilled that we managed 43 shows with no cancellations. It was a joy to see so many people enjoying themselves again and we are thankful for their generosity with the charity collections.”

Barry Ednie, President, The Rotary Club of Tonbridge, added: “It’s a fantastic sum and  will enable us to support deserving organisations and causes, both in our community at home and internationally. We’re delighted to be the recipients of the generosity of patrons of the EM Forster Theatre, and of the School, and we thank everyone for their donation to our fund.”

“Our thanks go to the EM Forster Theatre, and the various production companies, for their support in these difficult times,” Richard Hill, President of Tonbridge Lions Club, added.

Reviews included this from The Sussex Newspaper: “If you want to laugh out loud, watching a team of consummate professionals presenting one of the finest, funniest, pantomime productions around, Rapunzel is a sure-fire winner!”