Theatre managers have toasted the success of their annual pantomimes - but two of Southend's venues now face an uncertain future.

Staff at the Palace Theatre and the Cliffs Pavilion were delighted after productions broke all box office records.

At the Palace, Peter Pan has already made a £29,242 surplus over its projected income.

Administrative director, Andrew Knowles-Harrison, said it was the most successful production in the theatre's 86-year history.

He added: "We have been playing to almost full houses - near to capacity.

"It is absolutely wonderful to see all these people coming to see the Christmas play which has won rave reviews."

Despite the success, the theatre is due to close in March for nine months in an attempt to ease a cash crisis.

At the Cliffs, the magic fairy-tale Cinderella is enchanting hundreds of theatregoers every day.

Starring comedian Bobby Davro and Aussie soap star Ray Meagher, it is in the second half of its month-long run.

Spokesman Paul Driscoll said: "Audiences need to book now to avoid disappointment as the tickets continue to sell very fast."

Meanwhile, theatre-goers were dealt a blow as a repertory company announced plans to quit Southend's New Empire. Threadbare Theatre Company has decided to bail out of the Alexandra Street playhouse.

They will be presenting just one more production at the theatre between January 14 and 30.

The move followed a reasonably successful run of the adult panto Snow White: the True Story which is set to break even.

Threadbare's executive director, Bradley Snelling said: "I'm afraid it is not a viable option any more."

It is hoped, however, that a suitable venue can be found for future productions. The departure of Threadbare from the New Empire will pile on the pressure for staff and management at the theatre.

However, a spokesman stressed there was a positive side to Threadbare leaving.

She added: "The opportunity is there now to rent the smaller theatre to some of the smaller local groups who have said the large auditorium downstairs is too big for them.

"But it will increase the financial pressure on the theatre and we will miss the regular flow of people into the building that a repertory theatre provides."

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.