TOP West End shows The Lion King, Wicked and The Bodyguard have helped a south coast theatre celebrate a record breaking year.

The productions, along with record breaking pantomime Cinderella, brought more than 600,000 visitors through the doors of the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – the highest attendance ever in the venue’s 28 years as Mayflower Theatre.

A charitable trust, Mayflower Theatre is a Grade II listed theatre which receives no direct public funding or subsidy.

With a capacity of more than 2,100 seats it is the third largest regional theatre in the UK and the largest on the south coast.

Mayflower Theatre ran at a capacity of 83 per cent for the 2014/15 period and with an average capacity across theatres in the country of 59 per cent, it makes it one of the most visited theatres in the UK.

Its success allows it to re-invest in both the theatre and the local community. As a charitable trust one of its major achievements during the past 12 months has been engaging with over 21,000 people through its Community and Education programme.

The record breaking attendance reflects the quality of the programme.

Chief executive Michael Ockwell said: “It has truly been an extraordinary year here at the theatre.

"It’s been a delight to welcome people from far and wide through our doors.

"I cannot thank them enough for their loyalty and support."

“As a charitable trust we are committed to our Community and Education projects, which are proving to be a huge success; our bursary scheme supports young people in the arts and in the 2015/16 period we will be presenting four relaxed performances which are modified performances for people with autism, learning disabilities and sensory or communication needs."