Newcastle-under-Lyme's New Vic experienced its most successful year in 2013-14, according to the theatre's annual review.
The New Vic's value to the local economy is put at £11.8 million, with 150,000 people visiting the building. The theatre has experienced an 11% growth in audience numbers over the past five years.
The 2013 Christmas show The One Hundred and One Dalmatians became the theatre’s most successful show and was seen by more than 43,000 people—the equivalent of one in ten of the north Staffordshire population.
Sir Brian Fender, chair of trustees, writes in the annual review of the theatre's ingredients for success, "it is the interplay of individual talent and team effort. The New Vic is brilliantly led by Theresa Heskins in matters artistic; our executive director Fiona Wallace ensures that our business meets similarly demanding standards."
He adds, "Permanent and freelance staff work together to make a theatre whose defining characteristic is the warm welcome it gives to everyone. The New Vic and its supporters are a family."
Turnover during the year increased by 9% to £3.2 million.