A STAGE school is preparing for its biggest show yet.

The musical version of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast will be the biggest production attempted by the Gala Theatre Stage School since it was founded in 2002, and one of the biggest seen at Durham’s Gala Theatre since it opened its doors for the first time, earlier the same year.

A range of stunning costumes will be used, along with complex stage movements.

Director Kate Sorahan said: “The costumes are fantastic, the sets move magically around and we have people flying. I think it’s possibly the biggest show the Gala has ever seen and it’s certainly the biggest show the stage school has ever done.”

The cast includes 73 people aged 13 to 21.

Auditions were held in February and rehearsals began last month.

Joe Purcell, who plays charismatic candlestick Lumiere, said: “It’s been a challenge. It’s different to anything I’ve done before.”

The show will be at Durham’s Gala Theatre from Tuesday to next Saturday, at 7pm.

There will be matinees on Thursday and next Saturday, at 2pm. Tickets range from £9 to £14 and group discounts are available.

For more information, visit galadurham.co.uk or call 0191-332-4041.