After more than 16,000 people turned out for the popular annual pantomime at Lowestoft's Marina Theatre, casting is now under way for this year's production – which is set to be a Beauty!

The enchanting story of Sleeping Beauty will run from December 15 until January 2, and after the success of Snow White, the Marina has teamed up with award winning producers, Paul Holman Associates once more.

Marina chief executive, Martin Halliday, said: 'We are delighted to announce our pantomime this year will be the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty and that for a sixth consecutive season we will be working with the award winning team at Paul Holman Associates. It seems pantomime at the Marina has reached a milestone with local audiences not only enjoying the shows and supporting in great numbers, they also appreciate just how important our annual pantomime is for the future of the theatre. With ticket prices held for a third consecutive year and some generous discounts for groups and families we are pleased to give our patrons the chance to book even earlier this year.'

Professional pantomime returned to Lowestoft eight years ago after a gap of more than half a century, and it has continued to grow in popularity with audiences up almost 150 per cent since the Marina was saved from an uncertain future by becoming a charitable trust three years ago. More than 16,000 people supported pantomime at the Marina last season.

Marina marketing manager, Karen Thompson, added: 'We have already been inundated with inquiries as to when people can book for this year's production and we have therefore taken the unprecedented step of announcing our title and going on sale earlier than ever before.'

Producer Paul Holman said: 'I am thrilled to be returning to my home town once again this year with a brand new production of Sleeping Beauty at the Marina Theatre. Casting is now under way and once again we will ensure the production features a host of comic characters, bundles of audience participation, spectacular scenery and costumes plus some fabulous dancers all accompanied by a live band.'

? Tickets for Sleeping Beauty are available to book now by calling the Marina Theatre box office on 01502 533200 or online via www.marinatheatre.co.uk.