Two hundred Mercury readers got the chance to mingle with the cast of hit musical Finding Neverland after taking advantage of our ticket offer.
We had 200 half-price tickets up for grabs, and all were snapped up by readers wanting to see the show.
Produced by Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein, the musical had its world premiere at Leicester's Curve theatre on Saturday, with U2's Bono and The Edge in the audience.
After watching the production on Thursday, Mercury readers got the chance to meet cast members at an exclusive after-show party.
Pensioner Violet Ken-nell was among those who took up our offer, buying a ticket for herself and one as an early birthday present for her friend, Ronagh Harlow.
Violet, 78, of Eyres Monsell, Leicester, said: "It is the best musical I have ever seen. I have been to see shows in the West End in London and this is just as good as any of them. It is wonderful to have this on our doorstep in Leicester."
Ronagh , 75, of Eyres Monsell, said it was the perfect birthday present.
She said: The show was tremendous. It was so good there was a standing ovation at the end and we all were on our feet."
Reader Thomas Mitchell went to the show with his mother. sister and grandmother.
Thomas, 24, of Glen Parva, said: "To get to see such a great show and then meet the cast, who were lovely, was too good an opportunity to miss. I chatted to the leading lady, Rosalie Craig, and she was so down-to-earth. It was a brilliant evening all round."
Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth, who also watched the show on Thursday, said: "It is already clear that Finding Neverland is a stunning success and there was once again a standing ovation at Thursday night's performance, when many of our readers watched the show as part of our readers' event with Curve.
"The Mercury event included an invitation to an after-show reception with members of the cast, and this was the icing on the cake in a hugely enjoyable evening.
"The reception was well-attended and the stars chatted to people with warmth and charm. I am grateful to them for their support for this event and to the staff at Curve for helping us to put on this readers' evening."
Mr Bettsworth said it was a nice surprise to see the Mercury featured in the show.
A mocked-up copy of the paper is flashed up on a giant screen of newspapers containing reviews of a play written by JM Barrie.
Curve deputy chief executive Stella McCabe said: "The Finding Neverland company really enjoyed meeting the Mercury readers and it was lovely to hear how much they had enjoyed the show.
"It is the first time we have worked with the Mercury on an event such as this. We are delighted it was such a success and look forward to many more in the future."
British stage and screen actor Julian Ovenden plays JM Barrie, while West End actress Rosalie Craig takes the role of Sylvia.
The show, directed and choreographed by Olivier Award-winner Rob Ashford, runs until October 13.
For information and tickets, visit:
www.curveonline.co.uk
