THE highly talented youngsters of the Gala Theatre Stage School have scored another hit with their latest and biggest production yet, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Featuring many favourite songs from the film, the story is well known.

I had wondered how the school would pull off the huge musical numbers, with hundreds of dancing plates, forks and knives.

But I need not have worried.

With impressive routines, special effects and video footage, the Hollywood screen and West End stage spectacular transfers well to Durham’s Gala Theatre.

There are stand-out performances from 18-year-old Kate Knight as Belle and Joe Purcell as Lumiere, but all lead roles are carried off with aplomb.

The climactic restoration of the beast into his human form is superbly done and there are laugh-out-loud comedy moments throughout.

Another feather in the cap of a stage school whose reputation for excellence grows with every show.

■ Disney’s Beauty and the Beast runs until Saturday.

Tickets 0191-332-4041.