Professional princess brings Disney favourite to the Newbury stage

Following their success with the community production of Disney's Little Mermaid at the Corn Exchange, step into a tale as old as time as Kate Izzard Productions are bringing another Disney classic to life on stage.

Great for the family half term, you can get up close to your favourite characters in this immersive retelling of Beauty and the Beast, from February 15 to 20 at Arlington Arts.

This large-scale community production is led by local performer Kate Izzard - a professional singer and Princess, co-owner of Jollypop Entertainment Ltd and a Newbury Local Hero nominee last year for her contribution to the community.

Kate not only stars as Belle in the production but has also played a vital role in bringing this magical show to life, sharing her dream to make live theatre accessible to as many children as possible.

Jerome Ifill plays the Beast, Drew Card Lumiere and Grace Durber Mrs Potts.

The classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and find another's love in return, the spell will be broken and he will become human again. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Based on the Academy Award-winning animated movie, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Alan Menken and Tim Rice.

The production is directed by Jake Turnell-Willet.

Adding to the magic is the craftsmanship of local artist Tamsin Godfrey-Davies, who has hand-made the enchanting costumes for the show, intricately painting and sculpting each piece.

The age recommendation is 4+ but all are welcome and there is a special relaxed performance on the Sunday where audiences can enjoy the show with lights up, reduced sound levels and the freedom to come and go as required.

Kate Izzard Productions’ unique reimagining of the musical invites audiences to step first hand into the Belle's enchanted world. Once you decide to ‘Be Our Guest’ at the Beast’s castle, you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the action, which takes place throughout the theatre space rather than on a single stage.

You can even join them before the show for special VIP experience hosted by your favourite household friends (in partnership with Jollypop Entertainment).

Tickets are available from the box office (which is directly opposite the entrance doors) during opening hours (10am-4.30pm weekdays), as well as just before and during the show.