Talisman Theatre and Arts Centre

Barrow Road, Kenilworth CV8 1EG

Saturday 16th - Saturday 30th December 2023

BEAUTY & THE BEAST

Click for Seating Plan

It’s that time of year again – oh yes it is!

by Stephen Duckham

Director: Amelia Webster

Join Prince Rowan who is travelling the country with his friend Thomas, his nurse Madam Lotte and her son Charlie.

They arrive in the village of Prettybelle where they meet Panisse, a merchant, and his daughter, Beauty. Rowan falls in love with Beauty, but he is already betrothed from birth to Princess Horridana. Vowing to return for Beauty, he leaves for the castle to break his engagement.

Horridana, who is really a Sorceress, brings the full force of her wrath down on Rowan and turns him into a hideous Beast. The only way the spell can be broken is if someone falls in love with him.

The story of how Beauty comes to be held captive in the castle, and how she eventually tames the Beast, is told in this traditional Talisman Pantomime with all the larger than life characters, comedy, music and spectacle.

PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES

Ticket availability may include wheelchair spaces. To book a wheelchair space or to enquire about waitlist/returns etc. please contact Box Office on 01926 856548 (or via our Contact Us page)

Tickets are available via the online booking system with concessions available for full time students, those in receipt of a pension, Talisman members and group bookings (for parties of 10 or more).

CAST & CREW

Rose Fairy – Hannah McDermott

Horridana – Sharon Sully

Beauty – Paige Phelps

Panisse – Rob Jones

Edith (Innkeeper) – Christine Flood

Madame Lotte (Dame) – Paul Sully

Charlie (Her son) – Jack Ives

Beast/Prince Rowan – Ben Ionoff

Thomas (Friend of the Prince) – Laurie Weston

Fifi – Ellie Chapman

Henri (Gardener) – Mark Williams

Jacqui (a servant) – Amanda Wright

Moaning Martha – Jane Yates

Juliet (maid) – Natasha Hall

Adult Chorus

Amanda Wright

Chris Flood

Jane Yates

Natasha Hall

Junior Chorus
Erin Kelly
Chloe Hale
Leigh Hall
Lucy Henderson
Clara Lander
Amelia Lockwood
Evelyn Murphy
Evie Riman

Crew

Director – Amelia Webster

Choreographer – Sophie Michiko

Musical Arranger – Ben Kelly

Dance Captain – Erin Kelly

Stage Manager – Wendy Elliot

Set Design – Wendy Morris

Set Build – Talisman Set Build Team

Lighting Design – Steve Roberts

Lighting Operators – Steve Roberts / Nigel Elliot

Sound – Dik Thacker

Wardrobe – Sam Harris, Katie-Ann Ray

Props – Laura Henderson & Team

Backstage Crew – Steve Sanday, Mark Williams & Team

DIRECTOR'S NOTES

What an honour and privilege to be the director of The Talisman 2023 pantomime.

Growing up in Leek Wootton I would be so very excited to take my seat in the audience, year in and year out. That feeling of escapism provided by the music, characters, laughter and dance would inspire me and I would re-enact my favourite moments as soon as I arrived home! So I took this responsibility very seriously. I performed in the pantos myself before going off to drama school, so I really know first hand how it feels to be part of a team making the magic happen.

So what did I want to achieve in my first time as a Talisman panto director? I wanted pure fairy tale escapism, I wanted fantastic storytelling, wonderful music and amazing characters. I wanted the audience to feel like they were opening the pages of an old favourite book and being enchanted and taken on a journey from beginning to end.

I adored choosing the songs and really feel that they complement Stephen Duckham’s amazing script.

I really hope you find the show everything you could wish for in a panto. With massive thanks to all on stage and backstage, parents of the junior cast and chaperones, but especially Ben Kelly, Sam Harris and team, Wendy Morris and Wendy Elliott, who have all supported my concept and vision.

Merry Christmas to you all and a very Happy New Year
Amelia