THE Highcliffe Charity Players (HCP) have smashed their own box office record with their New Year pantomime – oh yes they did!

Their latest production Cinderella, is officially the highest grossing pantomime of all time at the Regent Centre, with 3,812 attendees over ten shows from January 19 to January 26.

At the end of last show, Regent Centre general manager, Felicity Porter surprised everyone by joining the players on stage.

She also invited HCP president Guy Henry to present a cheque in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, to Charles Michael Duke.

Michael who co–wrote the panto whilst in hospital to have a double lung transplant, stole the show by playing Buttons just eight months after the op.

Felicity told the audience: “It is absolutely amazing to see him back on stage at the Regent taking a starring role as Buttons in his own pantomime, which has also turned out to be the most successful pantomime ever staged at the Regent, and which is the best ever attended pantomime for the Highcliffe Charity Players. We want to acknowledge the wonderful NHS and the donor’s family for making it all possible for Charles.”

Holby City star Guy Henry who joined the company for a pantomime in the early 1970s at the age of 11, presented a cheque for £250 from the Regent to Charles. He said: “I made my stage debut with HCP rather too long ago, but I have to say that this pantomime was beautifully done, with lightness of touch, humour and warmth.”