Chipping Campden’s Cidermill Theatre has opened its doors to its first ever show Beauty and the Beast Panto, running from December 20-31, 2022. Suitable for all the family, the panto is presented by Tread the Boards Theatre Company and includes both matinee and evening performances.

Great British Life: Jean Claude Van Dumb, Dame Dotty and Funny French FrancJean Claude Van Dumb, Dame Dotty and Funny French Franc (Image: ©Andrew Maguire Photography)

With a cast of larger-than-life characters, side-splitting comedy, sumptuous costumes and fabulous scenery, this is a show not to be missed. There will be plenty of laughs and festive fun.

Perhaps one of the most popular fairy tales of all time, Beauty & The Beast is the story of Belle, a curious girl who longs to have an adventure like the heroines in the books she reads. But she soon finds herself imprisoned in an enchanted castle by a prince who has been transformed into a hideous beast by an evil sorceress.

Great British Life: Jonathan Houlston as Jean Claude Van Dumb and Abigail Drennan as BelleJonathan Houlston as Jean Claude Van Dumb and Abigail Drennan as Belle (Image: ©Andrew Maguire Photography)

Can Belle show the Beast that to be kind and caring is important? Will the Beast find that compassion and bravery will change him for the better? Jean Claude van Dumb will be there for you to boo and hiss at as he tries to woo Belle. Funny French Franc, Professor Crackpot and Dame Dotty will help the adventure roll along with laughter and fun. Will they all realise their destinies before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose?

Great British Life: Abigail Drennan as Belle, and Alastair Oakley as BeastAbigail Drennan as Belle, and Alastair Oakley as Beast (Image: ©Andrew Maguire Photography)

Family tickets and group bookings are available, and there is a special relaxed performance on Christmas Eve, ensuring that everyone feels welcome at this extraordinary new theatre for the community.

Tickets start at £10 per person and are available from the box office at cidermilltheatre.com

For details of Cidermill Theatre, visit cidermilltheatre.com or call 01386 335 420. The Theatre is based at Chipping Campden School.

Great British Life: Alastair Oakley as Beast with Jonathan Houlston as Jean Claude Van DumbAlastair Oakley as Beast with Jonathan Houlston as Jean Claude Van Dumb (Image: ©Andrew Maguire Photography)