Tickets for next year’s Skinderella RM panto have sold out, within a day of going on sale at the Astor Community Theatre, Deal.

On Tuesday Ryan Burt, assistant to the Astor's artistic director, said: “They were queuing outside at 8am. We were busy but it’s great for the theatre, great for the actors and great for the town.”

Skinderella RM is the Sergeant’s Mess adult-themed pantomime written and directed by former Deal Royal Marine Brian Short.

He said: “We are amazed, flattered and humbled by the support shown by the people of Deal for our forthcoming charity pantomime.

"The production is an exercise in teamwork and dedication, all aiming towards our goal of raising funds for Royal Marine and local charities, so to also enjoy such immense local support is overwhelming.

“Personally I am really sorry so many people seem to have missed out on tickets and I will be calling an urgent panto cast meeting to discuss any available options that might allow more people to see the show.

"All the cast, crew and committee members give freely of their time for six months to make the show happen, with their only reward being one free ticket per member.

“It is worth mentioning, but probably of little commiseration to know, that the cast were also caught out by the rush and now have some disappointed family members that do not have tickets to see them perform.

“Thank you again to the people of Deal for their support.”

The performances at the Astor in January by ex-RMs will be a tongue-in-cheek spin on the Cinderella fairytale.