Children’s classic Beauty and the Beast is this year’s panto at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.

Ely Standard: Beauty and the Beast at the Theatre Royal in Bury St EdmundsBeauty and the Beast at the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds (Image: Archant)

It’s a traditional family pantomime written by Chris Hannon (CBeebies’ Topsy & Tim) and directed by Theatre Royal’s director Karen Simpson.

Who is the mysterious beast hiding in the shadows? Will Beauty overcome her fears? And will love conquer all? There will be plenty of music, wonder, fun and laughter in a story to warm your heart and make your spirits soar – a perfect and captivating family treat for the festive season.

Returning to the cast from last year’s pantomime are: Louise Olley as Belle and Leonie Spilsbury as Fairy Blossom. Alongside them is local Bury St Edmunds actor Helen Slade who recently graduated from drama school and makes her professional stage debut as Violet.

Eamon Fleming is this year’s Dame and takes on the role of Molly Muffintop. Martin Neely stars as Sir Kenneth Branflakes, Sebastian Hill plays the Beast and Michael Lapham completes the cast as Barney Muffintop.

Ely Standard: Beauty and the Beast at Theatre Royal Bury St EdmundsBeauty and the Beast at Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds (Image: Archant)

There is a BSL interpreted performance on Wednesday (14) at 2pm and a relaxed performance on Friday January 13 at 1.30pm. The relaxed performance is bookable through the box office only.

For tickets and further details please call the Box Office on 01284 769505 or visit www.theatreroyal.org