WINCHESTER theatre Royal is continuing its strong performance since its reopening in 2001.

Audiences are still growing and are above the national average, said chief executive Nic Young.

Some 65 per cent of seats are sold - 260 people for every performance - compared with 59 per cent across the country. The 65 per cent mark is the target the theatre needs to hit, according to its budget.

Mr Young said there was still potential for growth. The target for the panto season this year is 13,000.

Its recent pantomime season saw audiences increase by 20 per cent to about 12,000. Comedy and music events, usually one-offs aimed at the young, are attracting audiences of about 300 or 75 per cent.