A FAIRYTALE is being turned into a pantomime at a community theatre.

Beauty and the Beast is set to entertain audiences at the Empire Theatre in Consett throughout December.

Leah Bell, who plays Penelope Potts, and has been producing the venue’s pantomime for eight years, said: “Over the years I have seen the pantomime grow from a small production that was chugging along, to a much-loved and highly anticipated show with a large following.

“Like all of our pantomimes, Beauty and the Beast is aimed at children, but there is plenty to entertain grown-ups too. In fact, we often find the adults are laughing and clapping just as hard as the youngsters.”

Harriet Povey will take on the role of Belle, while James de Lauch Hay will play the Beast and Prince Rafael in the show which combines the magic of a traditional pantomime with well-known pop songs to get the audience singing along.

Beauty and the Beast runs from Saturday, December 1 to Monday, December 31.

Tickets, on sale now, cost £16 or £14 for concessions, and a family ticket for two adults and two children costs £52. To book, visit empireconsett.co.uk or call 03000-262-400.