COME and watch a tale as old as time at the Theatre Royal this Easter as Beauty and the Beast takes to the stage.

Running from Saturday April 1 to Sunday April 23, Regal Entertainments retelling of the classic tale featuring a star studded cast will enchant audiences in their Easter panto.

Children’s TV presenter Amy Thompson of Channel 5 Milkshake fame, will lead the cast as the beautiful Belle.

The star, who has also appeared on ITV’s Coronation Street and Emmerdale will also be transferring to the silver screen with her first feature film The Last Laugh due for release in May.

She said: “Belle is my favourite Disney princess and I am delighted to be playing her for the first time at St Helens Theatre Royal in Easter.”

Legendary Big Brother housemate Nikki Grahame will also be joining the cast as Fairy Rose in the adventure tale which will see Belle fall in love with the Beast, played by Richard Hazelwood and fighting off the affections of brutish Gaston played by Philip McGuinness.

Theatre Royal favourites Liam Mellor and St Helens’ resident dame, Simon Foster will The Theatre Royal complete the cast as French Frank and his partner in crime, Potty Polly.

Chantelle Nolan, Theatre Manager said: “I am delighted to announce our Easter Panto cast.

“Amy Thompson is a well-known children’s presenter so I have no doubt she will shine with her bubbly and friendly personality and the nation fell in love with Nikki Grahame when she was in the Big Brother House with her hilarious over-the-top antics and she will make an excellent addition to the line-up.

“It is an exciting mix of new faces as well as some Theatre Royal returning favourites and I can’t wait to bring it to audiences next year.”

Tickets cost between £13 and £17 for adults depending on showings, £14 and £16.50 for concessions, £13.50 and £16 for children, with family tickets at £52.

To book before the last rose petal falls, go to the box office in Corporation Street, call 756000 or log on to sthelenstheatreroyal.com.