Panto bosses have hailed the Alhambra's Aladdin as a box-office smash after a record-breaking seven-week run.

More than 84,000 people flocked to see the show, starring veteran funnymen Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball, since it started in December - making it the most successful pantomime since 1994.

Councillor Anne Hawkesworth, Bradford Council's executive member with responsibility for theatre, said she was delighted the panto had proven itself to be the jewel in Bradford's crown once again.

She said: "It's the most successful pantomime we've had since 1994. It's phenomenal that 84,000 people have gone to see the show in such a short space of time.

"I was there on the first night and I thought it was hilarious. Cannon and Ball were great.

"It's a record-breaking season for the Alhambra with the Phantom of the Opera last year and now this. Let's hope we can continue at this level of success. It's great news for Bradford."

Coun Hawkesworth said the panto had generated between £900,000 and £1 million in ticket sales although the show's producers, stars and cast still have to be paid from this amount.

The panto, which also featured Goodness Gracious Me's Kulvinder Ghir as the Genie and Heartbeat's Tricia Penrose, beat last year's panto Dick Whittington starring Lisa Riley and the Chuckle Brothers by selling nearly ten thousand seats more.

Alhambra general manager John Botteley said that Aladdin had surpassed his expectations.

He said: "It has been a thrill to see the volume of people enjoying this year's pantomime.

"The combination of the starring roles has certainly proved to be a recipe for success. It has been a privilege to present a show with this level of appeal.

"Tommy Cannon and Bobby Ball have performed more times at the Alhambra than any other double act.

"We are now working to confirm the line-up for this year's show and we hope that the achievement with Aladdin will keep the pantos' tradition at the Alhambra a thriving one for many years to come."