Oooooh yes , it is.....a real beauty! 

Oooooh no , it isn't..…beastly! 

Well, only beastly where it counts - when it comes to the fabulous, brooding Beast played by Samuel Freeman. He's a proper "Beastie Boy "!

The beautiful Belle of the ball, played by Leilah Hughes, is certainly poised to enchant and transfix us all.

There's much beauty to behold altogether, a spectacular production promising to catch the eye with imaginative sets, backdrops and scenery. 

Pantomime season is well and truly upon us...and what a great story to be showcasing. It has all the essentials to thrill and entertain. First and foremost, Beauty and the Beast is such a well-loved tale. Plenty of timeless lessons about right and wrong, with good sure to triumph over evil in the end.

There's just the right mix between those simple jokes lacking in sophistication and the clever wordplay of more adult humour.

Chelsey Gillard, Artistic Director of the Torch Theatre, has pulled out all the stops with this script. It’s jam-packed with all the traditional fare.

The show promises all the great panto traditions scooped up and served with dollops of mirth and generous helpings of colour and spectacle.

Slapstick humour, farcical fun and larger than life characters abound, so "watch out, he's behind you!"

Good Fairy Gertrude (Ceri Mears) and Evil Fairy Shadowmist (Ceri Ashe) are inspired. They’re ably supported by Crystal the Butler (Amelia Ryan) and Belle’s father (Lloyd Grayshon) .

There's every opportunity to join in with the mayhem and have a rollicking good time, get'em all screeching, belting out the shouts and responses and "rolling in the aisles"!

The cast of characters are a revelation, a rich and varied array to add to the action, pace and hilarity .The musical pieces are plentiful, ensuring a proper pantomime atmosphere.

Pantomime costumes are without doubt a very special part of the show…and these are no exception. The big reveal of the specially designed and chosen gown to be worn by Belle as result of the schools’ competition is awaited. The costumes promise a blend of traditionally glamorous and modern designs with contemporary twist.

Boooooo and hissssss to any not rushing to join in the antics .