Panto set to be a real beaut

The musical spectacular Beauty and the Beast comes to the Civic Theatre from December 1 for a five-and-a-half week run.

Rotherham born and bred Laura Judge, who has performed in the Rotherham Civic panto for the previous three years, is back as the Enchantress, while 2018’s Dick Whittington, Nathan Guy, is returning as Silly Billy.

The title roles go to Mountview Theatre School graduate Kat Chatterton and experienced actor and singer Aled Thomas Davies.

David Phipps-Davis will bring some comedy as Dame Dorothy Do It and musical theatre performers Morgan Scott as Maurice and Jonathan Alden as Beauty's father Harold also join the ensemble.

Laura said: “I first performed on stage at the Rotherham Civic Theatre when I was a little girl, so it’s lovely to be back again this year.

“I just love panto and all the camaraderie, the silliness, the glamour —everything.

“This year you can expect to be swept of your feet with amazing sets and costumes, fabulous comedy, an amazing story and lots of magic.

“I can’t wait to get going — you’re gonna love it.”

The classic tale, immortalised as a Disney film and a ballet, sees an arrogant Prince cursed to live as a beast, with his only hope of salvation being finding love before the last petal falls from a magic rose.

Could the pretty girl Beauty represent the chance he has been waiting for?

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for social inclusion, Cllr Dave Sheppard, added: “The Rotherham Civic panto guarantees magical festive memories every year and, with this year's stellar line-up, Beauty and the Beast will be no exception.

“I do hope you will be able to join us too for this beloved tale as old as time.”

Visit www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk for more information and ticket details about the panto, which runs until January 8.