by Rachel Hovenden

rhovenden@thekmgroup.co.uk

A theatre has been so deluged with bookings for its panto that it's added another week of performances.

The Orchard Theatre in Home Gardens, Dartford, has already sold more than 25,000 tickets for Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs.

The spike in sales is thought to be due to the popularity of Strictly Come Dancing's judge Craig Revel Horwood and dance show favourite Ann Widdecombe who will waltz onto the boards.

Craig, known for his caustic comments, will play the part of the Wicked Queen while Ann, former Maidstone MP, will perform as his side-kick, Widdy in Waiting.

Andy Hill, Orchard Theatre director, said: "I’m very excited to announce the extension of this year’s pantomime.

"Craig and Ann are proving a massive hit with theatregoers and I’m delighted that even more people will have the chance to catch this fabulous pantomime."

The panto was set to run for just three weeks, from Friday, December 9 to Saturday, December 31, after the theatre cut back performances due to Craig's TV commitments. Some Saturday perfomances and all January bookings were cut in February this year after Craig's role was announced. The panto was also changed from Peter Pan to Snow White.

But now the theatre has decided to run an extra week of performances in January as Craig's schedule has changed.

The extra performances will run from Monday, January 2 until Saturday, January 7 and a sign-interpreted performance will take place on Tuesday, January 3 at 5pm.

The theatre has not yet confirmed how many more performances will take place.