AUDIENCE figures at Darlington Civic Theatre climbed by more than 15,000 last year - equating to a near ten per cent rise.
New figures released to Darlington Borough Council, show that the number of tickets sold for 2008-09 for the theatre was 174,658.
The previous year the number of tickets sold was 159,240, resulting in a 9.7 per cent of theatregoers.
Among the shows, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was seen by a record-breaking 9,357 people.
Other highlights include Blood Brothers, which was seen by 5,577 people, and All the Fun of the Fair, seen by 4,879 people.
A number of one night shows also attracted high audiences. One Night of Queen, Barbara Dickson, Spirit of the Dance, Ken Dodd and the Viennese Spectacular all filled more than 80 per cent of the capacity.
Theatre bosses are also developing a range of schemes to increase audience figures.
They include Arts Council grants, becoming a founder member of Touring Consortium with three other theatres to promote four productions and a scheme to offer free tickets to under 26-year-olds.
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