THAMESIDE Theatre’s panto Aladdin has finished its run and is celebrating after beating ticket sales of the last panto by 30 per cent.

The Grays pantomime, starring former EastEnders star Dean Gaffney and the first Big Brother winner Craig Phillips, was produced by Polka Dot Productions.

Thurrock Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture, and leisure, Lynn Worrall, said: “We are delighted with the success of this year’s pantomime and hope panto visitors who may not have been to the theatre before, return to the many other shows that are coming to the Thameside in 2012!”

Details of what the next pantomime will be in December will be released by the theatre soon.