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Beauty and the Beast

Relaxed Performance

This Christmas audiences who may normally find attending the theatre a challenging experience will be given the opportunity to enjoy a beast of a show in The Courtyard’s Relaxed Performance of annual pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

After Beauty finds herself imprisoned by a mysterious beast in an enchanted castle, there is little hope that our heroine will ever find her way out. But unbeknown to her, the beast is secretly a handsome prince under an evil curse. Only by changing his selfish ways and finding true love can he ever hope to break the spell. Will the Beast learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls? Will Beauty ever get back home? There’s only one way to find out.

A Relaxed Performance is specifically designed for those who would appreciate a less formal theatre environment. The aim is to retain all the magic of the pantomime experience but in a more relaxed setting through sensitive changes to the performance. A quiet, sensory room will also be provided for audience members to use if they need a break from the performance. A social story will be available prior to the visit and adjustments are made to ensure the experience is as relaxed and accommodating as possible. Adjustments include effects being toned down, lights kept on low throughout the performance, and additional staff and stewards on hand to help. Relaxed Performances are open to everyone but may benefit individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning, sensory and/ or communication difficulties.

For more information about Relaxed Performances and Screenings visit courtyard.org. uk/access. Beauty and the Beast Relaxed Performance will be in The Courtyard’s Main House on Monday 2 January at 10.30am. Contact the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk. The Civic

www.thecivicstourport.co.uk 22 December SANTA SAVES CHRISTMAS The show where every child gets a present from Santa! Jack’s beanstalk won’t grow, Cinderella’s glass slipper is broken and what’s happened to the magic in the Fairy Godmother’s wand? It looks as though Christmas might have to be cancelled… Join Jack, Dasher the Reindeer and Pompom the Penguin for this festive, musical, interactive adventure, as they meet Father Christmas at his home in the North Pole and help Santa Save Christmas!” It’s a family show most suitable for 2-7 year olds, where every child will receive a specially wrapped present from Santa – after the most Christmassy Christmas show ever, HO-HOHO! Songs include festive favourites The Twelve Days Of Christmas, Jingle Bells, Silent Night, When Santa Got Stuck Up The Chimney, We Wish You A Merry Christmas and many more!

Conquest Theatre

www.conquest-theatre.co.uk 1 - 4 December OUR STAR THEATRE COMPANY – DICK WHITTINGTON Dick is off to London Town to make his fortune. On the way, he teams up with a trusty feline friend, falls in love, gets a job at the local sweet shop and has to stop evil King Rat’s master plan to take over London town! Come and join us for one massive adventure! Full of familiar faces from their touring shows, Our Star Theatre Company are delighted to be back at The Conquest Theatre with their very own Panto! Full of fun and laughter for the entire family, this super silly slapstick cast are ready to bring some Panto magic to Bromyard!

The Courtyard

www.courtyard.org.uk 25 November - 7 January 2023 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Be our guest at Hereford’s biggest family pantomime… The Courtyard is back with a BEAST of a show! The stage is set for magic and monstrous fun, as this famous fairy tale is brought to life. After Beauty finds herself imprisoned by a mysterious beast in an enchanted castle, there is little hope that our heroine will ever be reunited with her devoted father. But unbeknown to her, the beast is secretly a handsome prince under an evil curse. Only by changing his selfish ways and finding true love can he ever hope to break the spell. Will the Beast learn his lesson before the last rose petal falls? Will Beauty ever get back home? There’s only one way to find out! Packed with colourful characters,

Worcester’s favourite Kays Panto returns to the Swan Theatre in January, opening on Thursday 19 January for 14 performances until Sunday 29 January 2023. Alice in Wonderland is Kays’ 68th production, especially adapted for Kays by Anthony Stuart-Hicks from the original by Lewis Carroll.

This panto has all your favourites, from Alice to the Mad Hatter, the White Rabbit, Queen of Hearts and with characters to enjoy the famous Tea Party plus a Bake-Off Tent! Imagine… A nine-year-old girl treading the boards for the first time as the day dreaming Alice in her school production. Few years later, that same little girl, now in Sir Wayne Sleep’s ballet adaptations of Alice in London and appearing on Blue Peter. Fast forward to 2019, she then had a vision for Alice in Wonderland, the pantomime. And thanks to Kays Theatre Group committee, the dream has now become a reality for Rebekah Bott who is a debut director for Kays Panto this year. She first appeared in a Kays Panto as a junior dancer and became “Goldilocks” in our 2007 production followed by Maid Marian in “Babes in the Wood”. We are so proud that Rebekah has evolved through her association with Kays from dancer, through performer, and to director and that the group have supported her every step of the way!

Kays Theatre Group continue to promote performing arts with their bursary scheme, further details and applications can be found at kaystheatregroup. co.uk/kays-theatre-group/oursupportedcharities

Tickets, priced only £13.50, for “Alice in Wonderland” are now available from Worcester Theatres Box Office at Huntingdon Hall, online at www.worcestertheatres.co.uk or by phone 01905 611427

glittering costumes, magnificent musical numbers and plenty of panto humour, Beauty and the Beast is the traditional family pantomime that will leave you spellbound! Tickets from £11

3 - 31 December SNOW WHITE “Mirror Mirror on the wall… who is the fairest of them all…?” Find out in this enchanting retelling of the classic fairy tale as Snow White discovers that with friendship and a song in your heart, you can overcome all obstacles. Written by Nick Lane and Directed by David Durant, the beloved story of Snow White is brought to life with a few fun twists, full of creative storytelling, original songs, interactive puppetry and lots of humour! So join us for another enchanting Family Christmas show and get to know Snow White in this reworking of a classic story, created especially for little ones. A magical and accessible Christmas show full of family fun, perfect for children aged 7 & under and their grown ups. Tickets from £9

4 December CHRISTMAS FAMILY RAVE It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to get into the Christmas spirit than with our festive family rave! Full of bubbles, balloons and all of your favourite tunes, crimbo classics included – bring your crew and dance your way into the festive season. Dressing up is encouraged from everyone! Suitable for all ages, ear defenders for tiny people are recommended. Remember the family that raves together, stays together! £6

21 January 2023 STARS IN THE SKY A shadow show in a box! The light comes on, the stars glow and as the doors open the scenery starts to scroll before your eyes. ‘There was once an old lady who wanted to play with the stars…’ so begins the traditional tale which then takes off on an adventurous romp amongst the wild beasts of the stars. Fantastical shadow puppets leap across the scrolling background and even fly out of the box onto a large paper screen. Afterwards the audience are invited to stay and play with the puppets inventing their own adventures among the stars. £7.50

Malvern Theatre

www.malvern-theatres.co.uk 8 December – 1 January 2023 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST A sparkling fairy tale pantomime for 2022-23, starring Melanie Walters (Gavin and Stacey) as Fairy Bon Bon, Malvern’s Favourite Funny Man Mark James as Louis La Plonk, Olivia Birchenough from Channel 5’s Milkshake! as Belle and Leon Craig as Polly La Plonk. Join Belle, The Beast, Fairy Bon Bon, larger than life Polly La Plonk and her cheeky chappy son Louis La Plonk as they are transported to a cursed castle, under the spell of an evil enchantress. Can the wicked Hugo be defeated, can Belle see beyond the Beast and fall in love with her captor, will the Beasts heart be melted by Belles beauty? With an unmissable transformation moment, slide splitting comedy, stunning sets and costumes, and an award winning script (Best Script – Great British Pantomime Awards 2019), join us for a must see, magnificent adventure. Tickets from £15.12

14 – 17 December THE COACH HOUSE THEATRE AND DRAMA STUDIO LONDON PRESENT NUTCRACKER A treat for the youngest ones. Dress up as the Sugar Plum Fairy, King Rat or the heroic Nutcracker. £10 (Including 12% booking fee)

14 – 17 December THE COACH HOUSE THEATRE AND DRAMA STUDIO LONDON PRESENT ALADDIN A fun-packed pantomime adventure for all the family. £10.

20 – 30 December A CHRISTMAS CAROL On a snowy Christmas Eve, the meanspirited Ebeneezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his business partner Jacob Marley, who is weighed down by the accumulated chains of a lifetime of greed. Marley tells Scrooge he will be visited by three further spirits, each of whom will offer Scrooge an unsettling vision of himself, as well as an opportunity to change his ways … before it’s too late. Dickens’s most famous short story sold out in five days following its publication in 1843. It has never been out of print since and has been the subject of many film, stage and television adaptations. As succinct as it is timeless, Dickens’s portrait of the meaning of Christmas remains one of enduring resonance. A Seasonal treat for all the family, A Christmas Carol is adapted by Nic Lloyd, who also directs this inaugural production by the Malvern Theatres Stage Company. £16.80

Market Theatre

themarkettheate.com 19 – 29 January 2023 SNOW WHITE “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of us all?” asks Serpentina, the wicked queen. Well, the mirror says it’s not the queen or her horrible daughters, Violet and Nastutia, so who could it be? Come and see this brand new version of Snow White, written especially for LADS, to see if good really can triumph over evil and if Snow White really will live happily ever after.

Norbury Theatre

www.norburytheatre.co.uk 17 December CHILDREN’S THEATRE - DECEMBER PRODUCTION A short pantomime-style play produced by adults for children. Title to be confirmed. 13 – 28 January CINDERELLA Times are tough for the Hardup family, they have had to sell off the grounds of Hardup Hall as a theme park. Just when Cinderella and the family’s faithful servant Buttons (Cinderella’s greatest admirer) thought things could not get any worse her father the Baron arrives home with a new bride and her daughters, the horrendous Ugly Sisters. It is not long before the Broker’s Men are knocking on the door chasing more debts. A meeting in the forest with a handsome young man, secretly overheard by a stranger, brings love for Cinderella but when her step sisters make sure she does not receive an invitation to Prince Charming’s ball it seems she may never see him again. Thanks to the Fairy Godmother she does attend but takes off as midnight strikes leaving the Prince distraught. This sets in motion a kingdom wide search by the Prince when the happy pair are reunited and, of course, live happily ever after. Tickets from £14

Number 8

www.number8.org 17 December CRAFTY CHRISTMAS WORKSHOP A fun festive workshop where children can create colourful Christmas decorations to hang from the tree or decorate your home. Led by experienced tutor Maggi Davis the young crafters will be encouraged to get creative as they paint, glue and adorn their decorations to add some sparkle to the festivities! Suitable for ages 7-11 years. All materials provided. Cost: £7.50 , 10.30am - 12.30pm

Palace Theatre

www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk 10 - 31 December BEAUTY & THE BEAST PANTO Don’t miss Beauty and the Beast which promises to be the most stunning and enchanting of productions packed with magic and fun for all the family over the festive season! Spellbinding adventure awaits when the beautiful Belle is imprisoned in an enchanted castle with a hideous beast. Can Belle see beyond the monster and fall in love with her jailer before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose? Or will the Beast’s arrogance and selfishness cost him the world he once knew and the hand of the girl who has stolen his heart. Meanwhile the boorish Gaston, a local huntsman, who has set his sights on marrying Beauty whether she wants to or not, decides to rescue her from the Beast’s Castle and force her to be his wife. With plenty of audience participation and loads of laughter, combined with spectacular sets, beautiful costumes and magical special effects. This enchanting pantomime based on the children’s classic tale, will delight audiences of all ages. Brought to you by Paul Holman Associates producers of last year’s smash hit Jack and the Beanstalk, Beauty and the Beast has everything you have come to expect from a Palace pantomime. Stunning sets, spectacular transformations and dazzling costumes will guarantee your festive season will go with a swing. From £18.00* - £28.50

Worcester Theatres

www.worcestertheatres.co.uk 29 November - 2 January 2023 CINDERELLA You shall go to the ball this Christmas! Join Cinderella, her best friend buttons and the ugliest sisters in town in the classic rags to riches fairy tale that enchants all ages! The Worcester Repertory Company proudly presents the most magical pantomime of all, packed full of all your favourite traditional pantomime comedy moments. Join us for this well–loved tale and cheer, boo, hiss, laugh, and sing along to your favourite songs in what promises to be Worcester’s most spectacular family pantomime yet! £10 - £21

19 - 29 January 2023 ALICE IN WONDERLAND BY KAYS THEATRE GROUP Alice discovers that by using her imagination, anything is possible in Wonderland. Join Alice and your favourite characters, including the White Rabbit, Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts in this family pantomime from Kays. Use your imagination to experience Wonderland tea parties and delight in the Bake-Off tent. Can you help Alice find her way home? £13.50

31 January 2023 THE SMARTEST GIANT IN TOWN A Little Angel Theatre and Fierylight co-production. Based on the bestselling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. George wishes he wasn’t the scruffiest giant in town. So when he sees a new shop selling giant-sized clothes, he decides it’s time for a new look: smart trousers, smart shirt, stripy tie, shiny shoes. Now he’s the smartest giant in town... until he bumps into some animals who desperately need his help – and his clothes! This heart-warming tale about friendship and helping those in need is brought to life in a musical, puppet-filled adventure, following on from Little Angel Theatre’s bestselling adaptations of Julia Donaldson’s picture books including The Singing Mermaid and The Everywhere Bear. 1:30pm & 4:30pm

The Henrician

www.henrician.org 18 - 22 January 2023 JACK AND THE BEANSTALK It’s Panto time! Join Phoenix Theatre Group for their 33rd Traditional family pantomime full of song and dance, fun and slapstick comedy that will get you rolling in the aisles. Will Jack find the pot of gold at the top of the Beanstalk? Marvel at our magical giant and special effects. Suitable for everyone aged 3+. (Please note special effects, pyrotechnics and loud bangs throughout this production).