THE Theatre Royal Winchester launched its traditional family pantomime Beauty and the Beast at The Brooks Shopping Centre last weekend.

Crowds joined Belle, played by Eleanor Bennett, her father, played by Tim Faulkner, and Gigi the Horse in the centre for an interactive performance of Horsey Horsey.

In full costume and character, the cast attracted the attention from adults and children who were visiting the shops.

This year’s pantomime is being produced by the same in-house production team that brought last year’s sell-out run of Peter Pan.

Julian Eardley will return as the dame Dotty and Ed Thorpe, who was nominated at the Great British Pantomime Awards for his performance as Smee in Peter Pan, returns as Dotty’s son Wally.

The theatre will also introduce a diverse cast of newcomers, including Nathan Turner, Alice Bonifacio, Sarah Annakin and Kristopher Milnes.

Local young performers are also set to join the cast on stage.

Beauty and the Beast will be at the Theatre Royal from December 1 to January 6.

Tickets are available from theatre’s website and from the box office on 01962 840 440.

Prices vary based on the age of spectators, date and time of the performance and positioning of the seat.

Relaxed performances, which are open to everyone but specifically target children with learning difficulties by softening the theatre atmosphere will also take place.