Basildon's Towngate Theatre saw a record number of bums on seats in 2015 with more expected this year. 

Basildon Council is predicting record breaking numbers of visitors in 2015 after 75,000 people saw productions there in the past year - 10,000 more than in 2013.

A spokesman said: "The theatre is thrilled to announce that audience numbers have increased significantly in 2015 after a revamp of the programme, and following 2014’s record breaking pantomime, Cinderella, which received universal acclaim from the public and press alike.

"Cinderella saw audiences reach over 25,000 during the five week run – with all 55 performances achieving at least 85 per cent capacity. It was also only one of two pantomimes in the country awarded a five star review in the national theatre publication, The Stage." 

Tickets for 2015’s pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk, are already selling well.

The current season’s line up features more professional productions than ever before, according to the council.

Echo: Showtime - Basildon's Towngate Theatre

Performances in 2015 have included The Illegal Eagles, American singer Curtis Stigers and musical tribute show A Night Of Dirty Dancing.

The well-known Sing-a-long-a brand will be bringing two screenings of Walt Disney’s Frozen in April – both performances have practically sold out, so an additional screening has been booked in October to cope with the public demand for tickets.

Upcoming shows include Vienna Festival Ballet’s 35th Anniversary Gala, The Fawlty Towers Dining Experience, Stone Cold Murder by James Cawood, and London Classic Theatre presents Alan Ayckbourn’s Absent Friends.

For more information on upcoming productions, contact the box office on 01268 465465 or visit www.towngatetheatre.co.uk.