News-Un-Belle-evable start to Gala Durham's panto season

The venue, which we run, has started its run of the un-Belle-evable Beauty and the Beast pantomime, offering a magical twist on the classic tale.  

Audiences are invited to join the adventure in the French town of Chester-le-Rue until Tuesday 31 December. 

Cllr Elizabeth Scott, our Cabinet member for economy and partnerships, said: "The opening night was a huge success and we are delighted to kick off the festive season in style with such a magical production of Beauty and the Beast.

"Featuring a fantastic all north east cast, it's a must-see show. With a range of accessible performances, the production promises fun for the entire family. We can't wait to welcome guests and spread some Christmas cheer."

For the first time ever, Gala Durham is offering an audio-described showing for audiences who are blind or partially-sighted. Taking place at 6.30pm on Saturday 7 December, this is one of a number of accessible performances for guests.

Others include British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted performances at 11am on Sunday 1 December, 2pm on Saturday 7 and Monday 30 December, a relaxed performance at 1.30pm on Friday 6 December, and a BSL and captioned performance at 6.30pm on Tuesday 17 December.

The pantomime brings a mix of new and familiar faces to Gala Durham with Beth Crame starring as Belle in her first pantomime, after starring as Alice in the theatre's Alice in Wonderland last summer.

County Durham born Jude Nelson returns for her third year to bring mischief and mayhem to her role of Jongleur, and Kieron Michael is back as baddie Gourmand, after playing Hook in this summer's production of Peter Pan & Wendy.

Zoe Lambert also returns as Belle's aunt and inventor, Madame Perplex, after her recent role as evil witch Karen in the theatre's version of Sleeping Beauty in 2022.

They will be joined by newcomers Suryan Hadrick, as Prince Alphonse and the Beast; Sarah Bulmer as Madame Horlage; and Adam Donaldson as Monsieur Brillant.

Written by Gary Kitching and directed by Rachel Glover, the production sees the bright and bold Belle, who dreams of more than small town life, stumble across the mysterious, abandoned Chateau de Pitie pour Moi (or Pity Me Castle).

Belle discovers a terrible curse hanging over the castle and its inhabitants, with inanimate objects coming to life and rumours of a terrible Beast living there.

Will Belle's courage and kindness be enough to break the course, and can love blossom when you least expect it? Expect plenty of laughs, thrills and fun in this magical reimagining of Beauty and the Beast.