Chipping Campden's Cidermill Theatre opens its doors to its first ever show Beauty and the Beast panto running from 20th-31st December.

Suitable for all the family, the panto is presented by The Tread the Boards Theatre Company and includes both matinee and evening performances. Tickets start at £10 per person and are available from the box office www.cidermilltheatre.com 

With a cast of larger-than-life characters, side-splitting comedy, sumptuous costumes and fabulous scenery, this is a show not to be missed. There will be plenty of laughs and festive fun.

Perhaps the most popular of all fairy tales, Beauty & The Beast is the story of Belle, a curious girl who longs to have an adventure like the heroines in the books she reads. But she soon finds herself imprisoned in an enchanted castle by a prince who has been transformed into a hideous Beast by an evil sorceress.

Can Belle show the Beast that to be kind and caring is important? Will the Beast find that compassion and bravery will change him for the better?

Jean Claude van Dumb will be there to boo and hiss as he tries to woo Belle. Funny French Franc, Professor Crackpot and Dame Dotty will help the adventure role along with laughter and fun. Will they all realise their destinies before the last petal falls from the enchanted rose?

Family tickets and group bookings are available and there is a special relaxed performance on Christmas Eve, ensuring that everyone feels welcome at this extraordinary new theatre for the community.

For details of Cidermill Theatre please visit www.cidermilltheatre.com  or call 01386 335420. The theatre is based at Chipping Campden School.