THE curtain has gone up on a theatre’s fastest-selling pantomime.

Sleeping Beauty opens at Consett Empire on Friday and runs until New Year’s Eve.

Theatre managers say the show, the fifth in a row to be produced and directed by Leah Bell, is the fastest selling at the venue to date.

Nicola Dailly, marketing and arts programme manager for the Leisureworks trust which runs the theatre, said: “We’re so proud of how far we’ve come with establishing the Empire’s pantomime as a production renowned for offering top quality entertainment for all.

“It’s a testament to Leah’s many skills that she is able to continually produce bigger and better productions that continue to amaze and break box office records.”

The show features singer Lorraine Crosby, female vocalist on Meat Loaf’s 1993 hit single I’d Do Anything For Love.

Audiences are promised a family-friendly production with something for all ages, bursting with fantastic costumes, hilarious characters, sparkling costumes and a modern twist on a traditional tale.

Leah Bell said: “Our shows are always full of surprises and we’ve got plenty in store for this year.

“All I’m saying is, if you don’t like getting wet, stay away from the front.”

Tickets, priced £15 or £13 for concessions, are available on 01207 218171 or leisureworks.net

Tickets are also on sale for the Empire’s 2017 panto Cinderella.