THE cast of Easter pantomime Beauty and the Beast got together for some pre-show fun on Tuesday (March 21).

Stars include former Big Brother contestant Nikki Grahame as the fairy godmother Fairy Rose and Channel 5’s Milkshake children’s presenter Any Thompson, who has also appeared in Coronation Street and Emmerdale, as Princess Belle.

A theatre spokesperson said the timing of the show, just as the Disney film is released, is sure to pull in large audiences. He added the cast has now started rehearsing in earnest.

The panto, produced by Regal Entertainments, is set to enchant audiences from Saturday, April 1 to Sunday, April 23.

Amy Thompson, said: “Belle is my favourite Disney princess and I am delighted to be playing her for the first time.”

This is the fifth panto for Nikki Grahame, who is also working on her latest book, and a forthcoming tv show with Channel 5.

Richard Hazelwood stars as the Beast, and, after reeling-in audiences with his captivating performance as Captain Hook in last year’s Peter Pan, Philip McGuinness returns to the theatre, trying to win Belle’s heart as the brutish Gaston.

Liam Mellor will be causing mayhem and mischief aplenty as French Frank and his partner in crime, St Helens’ resident dame Simon Foster, completes the cast as Potty Polly.

The panto is on most days at 1pm, with a number of 5pm performances.

Tickets cost from £13 to £17. To book, call to the box office in Corporation Street, visit sthelenstheatreroyal.com.