Beast of a production at Brierley Hill

Rehearsals are well underway for the company's own rendition of Beauty and the Beast.

Evening and afternoon performances will run at Brierley Hill Civic Hall from Saturday.

Company member Jo Gresswell, 52, said rehearsals had been taking place since September.

"We chose Beauty and the Beast because it's a lovely family pantomime and story," she said.

"There are also lots of nice character parts for the members to play.

"The society has been running for 60 years and performing pantos for about 35 years. I was actually part of the first play when I was 15."

Emma Worrall has been chosen for the lead role of Beauty with Karl Wunderlich playing Beast.

The part of Countess Cruella went to Rebecca Thorne while Jemma Hughes plays the Rose Fairy.

Dames Tom Robinson and Chris Drew have been cast in the roles of Beauty's sisters, Tuti and Fruiti.

Further parts include Gregory Gobsmacked, played by Krystian Whorton, Lucy Lipstick by Sylvia Hickling and Jo Jarrod by James Lanley, with Granny played by Amy Pearson.

Mrs Gresswell said: "We rehearsed over Christmas and the new year but we've had a few days off.

"We started the technical rehearsals on Sunday so it's an important time.

"It can be difficult because everyone has families and jobs but at the end of the day everyone has so much fun.

"A couple of members make the children's outfits but the principal costume's come from Lichfield Costume Hire."

Evening performances will run on January 9, 10, 14, 15 and 16, from 7.15pm.

Matinees will take place at 2.15pm on January 9, 10 and 16.

Ticket cost £10 with reduced prices available for group bookings and families.

To book tickets call the box office on 0845 6588095 or visit www.bhmtc.co.uk