Pantomime season is upon us (oh yes it is) and the cast and crew at the Talisman Theatre are busy putting the final flourishes to their upcoming stage production of the classic fairy tale, "Beauty and the Beast."

This enchanting and timeless story, written by Stephen Duckham, will come to life from 16 to 30 December, and promises to be an unforgettable theatrical experience for families and audiences of all ages.

Join Prince Rowan (Ben Ionoff) who is travelling the country with his friend Thomas (Laurie Weston), his nurse Dame Madam Lotte (Paul Sully) and her son Charlie (Jack Ives).

They arrive in the village of Prettybelle where they meet Panisse (Rob Jones), a merchant, and his daughter, Beauty (Paige Phelps).

Rowan falls in love with Beauty, but he is already betrothed from birth to Princess Horridana (Sharon Sully).

Vowing to return for Beauty, he leaves for the castle to break his engagement. Horridana, who is really a Sorceress, brings the full force of her wrath down on Rowan and turns him into a hideous Beast. The only way the spell can be broken is if someone falls in love with him.

Director Amelia Fewtrill-Webster appeared in panto back in 1997 when she was a young girl and made a return to the Talisman last year stage appearing as Madam Zarina in "Golidlocks and the Three Bears."

Dame Lotte played by Paul Sully (Photo credit: Robert Warner/Image Composition by Lewis Sully)

Amelia has taken on the privilege and challenge of directing this year's pantomime and brings with her a wealth of experience having studied at drama school, acts professionally and continues to work in the arts, as creator of award-winning puppet theatre company, as well as teaching acting and singing to both privately, for local primary schools and Stage Coach Theatre Company.

Amelia is excited to see her vision come to life commenting, "I want pure fairy tale escapism, fantastic storytelling, wonderful music and amazing characters. I want the audience to feel like they are opening the pages of an old favourite book and taken on a journey of enchantment from beginning to end."

Choreographer, Sophia Michiko, has also put the chorus through their paces during rehearsals, bringing her medal-winning experience of representing England in dance competitions globally to Kenilworth.

She's added a festive dose of sparkle dust to the toe-tapping and joyous dance numbers that are ready to whisk you up into a whirlwind of magical musical numbers arranged by Ben Kelly.

With a dazzling and romantic set design from Wendy Morris, colourful costumes galore from Sam Harris and inventive props aplenty from Laura Henderson, then make sure you don't miss the magic and wonder of "Beauty and the Beast" at the Talisman Theatre, Kenilworth from 16 to 30 December 2023.

Tickets are now over 95 per cent sold, with some shows already sold out, so be quick and head over to the website or call the box office direct on 01926 856548 to secure the last remaining tickets for this family festive treat for all ages.

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