A THEATRE’S annual pantomime has opened for a six-week run.

This year the Gala Theatre in Durham is staging a production of the ever-popular fairytale Cinderella, written, directed and starring Gala panto regulars Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley.

Many of the 50-plus shows are already sold out or close to being so.

Robin Byers, Durham County Council’s service manager for place and experience, said: “Thousands of people enjoyed the Gala’s 2014 production of Aladdin and I’m sure audiences will be delighted with what we’ve got in store this year.

“It’s really exciting for us to have pantomime regulars Neil Armstrong and Paul Hartley writing, directing and starring in Cinderella, as they bring a wealth of panto experience to the job and know exactly what Durham audiences love.”

Cinderella runs at the Gala until Sunday, January 3.

Tickets are priced from £8. The best availability is for this week (November 30 onwards). To book, visit the box office, call 03000-266-600 or go online to galadurham.co.uk