9:29am Tuesday 5th August 2008
STAFF at Hilliers Garden Centre in Winchester had a 'Beastly' encounter last week.
The garden centre helped launch the Theatre Royal Winchester's 2008 pantomime, Beauty and The Beast at their Romsey Road branch.
Tim Mason, business development manager of Hillier Garden Centres, who are sponsoring the panto, along with staff at the centre, joined Fiona Burn, chief executive of Theatre Royal Winchester, and a mysterious furry paw!
Ms Burn explained: "We are thrilled to have the support of Hillier Garden Centres for this year's production. It is wonderful to work in collaboration with other local businesses, especially when they bring enthusiasm to the task. We are looking forward to working with Hilliers towards a successful autumn season."
The pantomime, the fourth in-house Christmas production for the theatre, will run from Wednesday December 10 until Sunday January 4 2009.
The theatre has built a reputation for traditional panto, featuring the time-honoured hero, damsel, dame and villain, with original music, jokes and plenty of audience participation. Writer and director James Barry returns to the theatre for a fourth Christmas season with a new cast for Beauty and the Beast.
For tickets call the Box Office 01962 840440.
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