And the crowds are loving it! Hastings panto up and running

Beauty and the Beast is at the White Rock Theatre this festive season from December 15-31, with John Partridge as Mr Crust (opening to Christmas Eve) and then Andy Abraham (final week).

X factor stars Amelia Lily and Andy Abraham lead the cast which include Hastings favourites Tim McArthur and Ben Watson, joined by Jenny Perry and Richard Lock in the title roles alongside Nathan Routledge, Megan Lea, Patrick Cook, Lily Tether and Zac Loonie, plus a full local junior ensemble.

When an arrogant Prince is cursed to live as a beast his only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from a magic rose. When pretty village girl Beauty comes into his life, is this the chance he has been waiting for?

And so far, so good. The venue is reporting excellent audience feedback.

“Panto was 10/10! Amazing cast. I do love a Hastings Panto!” – Shannon M (Instagram)

“Loved every minute of the pantomime… best one yet! “ (Mrs EJU, Twitter)

“Absolutely amazing panto and incredible cast, loved seeing the opening show” (Steven B, Facebook)

“Great show. My family from age 3 to 92 all thoroughly enjoyed the show” (Louise C, Facebook)

“What a fab panto this year. A fun family show” (Amanda L, Lacey Theatre Arts)

“We enjoyed the show very much even though we are pensioners!” (Bernard S)

“The pantomime was fabulous!” (Hayley E)

“Wow what a show! The cast is amazing – especially the always hilarious Ben Watson and Tim McArthur as the fool and dame combo, John Partridge and Amelia Lily bringing some serious vocals, and all the rest who brought endless energy, laughs and smiles with not a foot or not out of place…

"This is one of the best pantos I have seen in a very long time and as an ex-stage manager and mum of five I have seen a fair few! If you haven't got tickets and were thinking about going, do it!” Councillor Claire Carr, Facebook.

“It was incredible, such a good panto! If you’re local. I couldn’t recommend the show enough, it was a great atmosphere and the characters themselves were brilliant, we laughed from start to finish!” Amy Lopez, @makeyourhouseahome.x (Instagram)

Beauty and the Beast is produced by Imagine Theatre.

It is written by Justin Fletcher and directed by Julia Cave with choreography from Darragh O'Leary, musical direction from Rowland Brache, musical direction by Gregor Keachie and lighting design from Matthew Ladkin and sound design from Sussex Events Hire.

Book your tickets at whiterocktheatre.org.uk.

The cast is: Enchantress – Amelia Lily; Mr Crust – Andy Abraham/John Partridge; Billy Pastry – Ben Watson; Nanny Pastry – Tim McArthur; Beauty – Jenny Perry; Bear Botemme – Nathan Routledge; Beast/Prince – Richard Lock; Ensemble/Dance Captain – Megan Lea; Ensemble – Patrick Cook; Ensemble – Lily Tether; and Ensemble – Zac Loonie.