More of you than ever before saw this year’s panto at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which ended on Sunday, was watched by 95,685 people with an average audience of 1,153 making it 99.6% full.

This beat the previous record which set by Jack And The Beanstalk during the 2013 to 2014 season which was seen by 90,364 people.

This year’s panto starred Rita Simons from EastEnders and Cbeebies’ Mister Maker Phil Gallagher and was hailed as a huge success by the critics.

The Stage gave it a rare five-star review, with Susan Elkin stating: “In 20 years of reviewing pantomimes, I have never seen a better one than this.”

Simon Sladen from The British Theatre Guide said it was: “A vintage year for The Marlowe Theatre and a glorious celebration of the skill and joy of pantomime performance.”

There were emotional scenes last night as the cast took to the stage for a sell-out last performance - their 83rd in the run.

Several cast members, including Rita Simons and dame Ben Roddy, were moved to tears as the enthusiastic audience gave them a lingering standing ovation, before Phil Gallagher made the announcement that the show had been a record breaker.

Marlowe Theatre director Mark Everett said: “I have to pinch myself every time I see just how many people came – it’s an incredible achievement and what makes it even more satisfying, is knowing that every one of those people enjoyed a fabulous and highly-entertaining show and left the building absolutely buzzing.

“The atmosphere throughout the six-week run was amazing.”

Tickets are on sale for Dick Whittington, which runs at The Marlowe Theatre from Friday, November 25, to Sunday, January 8, 2017. Clickhere.