THE wealth of Pickering’s theatrical talent will be on show in the new year when the town’s musical society stages its annual pantomime.

This season’s production, which runs from January 4 and 5, and from January 7 to 11, at the Kirk Theatre, will be Beauty and the Beast, by Alan P Frayn.

The show will include a host of songs, old and new, and dancing by members of the Sarah Ashworth School Of Dancing, said leading society member, Linda Tester.

The cast will be accompanied by musicians, under the direction of Richard Benson.

This pantomine classic tells the story of the beautiful Belle and how she wins the heart of a handsome prince, who has been turned into a beast by a wicked fairy, Belladonna.

“As in all pantomimes, the story is one of true love and good winning over evil,” said Linda.

“The course of true love never runs smooth and Belle is tested to the limit in her love for her father and her growing relationship with the beast.”

As well as Belle, who is played by Michelle Carter, and The Beast, played by Matt Dulson, the pantomime includes Madame Fifi, an outrageous dame (Marcus Burnside), Jacquette, her Goth daughter (Linda Tester) Belle’s sisters, Ermengarde and Esmerelda (Maureen Symonds and Ann Bircumshaw) and Gustave (Stephen Temple), the no-hoper who thinks he is a real hunk.

As well as evening performances at 7.15pm, there will also be a matinee performance at 2.15pm on January 4, 5 and 11.

Tickets cost £10, £9 for concessions and £35 for a family ticket. Tickets are available at the box office, which is open daily from 11am, by phoning 01751 474833 or emailing pickeringmusicalsociety@gmail.com