IT may only be July, but the Beacon Arts Centre is already getting into the Christmas spirit as it announces the cast for its magical pantomime production.
With the festive show being produced in-house for the second year in a row, the Beacon will put a fun-filled local spin on the classic story of Beauty and the Beast.
Still Game stars Jane McCarry and Mark Cox will return to the Greenock stage as the evil queen Deadly Nightshade and the Beast’s trusty servant Angus McFungus.
Panto favourite Lee Samuel will play Boabby Blumenthal, with River City and Take the High Road actor Jimmy Chisholm starring as the dame, Betty Blumenthal.
Shannon Swan, whose credits include the National Theatre of Scotland’s UK Tour of Glasgow Girls and the hit show Outlander, will play Belle.
The cast will be completed by the Beast, who is yet to be named.
Jane told the Tele that she and the rest of the cast are excited about returning to the Beacon on December 8.
She said: “People come with their families, and we’re part of that family now.
“Because they know us now, it’s as nice for us to see them as it is for them to come and see us.”
Jimmy added: “Beauty and the Beast is very popular and it’s one of our favourite fairytales.
“But with Disney doing both versions recently it’s brought it to the forefront again, so it’s a story kids love.”
The Beacon’s twist on the traditional tale will transport audiences to the land of Auchterdreich – where the vain Prince Sebastian has been cursed to live as a hideous beast.
Belle encounters many chaotic twists and turns as she bids to be the one to break the Deadly Nightshade’s true love spell by discovering beauty in the Beast.
It is hoped that this year will continue the success seen at last year’s production, which was watched by more than 17,000 people across 40 performances.
Tickets are on sale now, with BSL and relaxed performances being planned too.
Those planning to attend are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
Find out more at www.beaconartscentre.co.uk.
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