There is just two weeks to go before 'Beauty and the Beast' arrives at Storyhouse.

Opening on Friday 5 December, the spellbinding new version of the much-loved fairytale promises to sweep family audiences off their feet, ahead of a month-long festive adventure. 

The heartwarming production is brimming with laugh-out-loud scenes, dancing clocks and candelabras, audience interaction and a soundtrack of musical favourites.

"Christmas is always such a special time of year for us here at Storyhouse," said Storyhouse creative director, Suzie Henderson.

"I'm really excited we're following last season's Sleeping Beauty with another fabulous production for our family audiences.

"Anne Odeke has captured all the many wonderful elements that make Beauty and the Beast such a fairytale favourite and combined them in a story which is familiar but also uniquely Storyhouse; full of joy, imagination, warmth and community.

"I can't wait now for the show to open and to see audiences enjoying what I know is going to be an enchanting and memorable shared experience."

Beauty and the Beast runs from Friday 5 December to Sunday 4 January. Ticket prices start from £15 for Storyhouse members. 

Each performance will also be captioned, with additional audio-described, British Sign Language-interpreted and relaxed performances offered throughout the run.

It is written by acclaimed playwright Anne Odeke (Shakespeare's Globe, Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre), who is making her festive debut following her adaptation of Little Women which delighted Chester audiences in 2022.

Meanwhile dynamic director John Young is well known in the city for his acclaimed productions at Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, including Romeo and Juliet and The Gangs of New York, as well as the 2023 Chester Mystery Plays. 

Katarina Zofia plays Belle and Daniel Bowskill appears as 'the Beast' Henri, while back by popular demand are Tom Richardson (Marcel/Pascal) and Caitlin Drake (Amélie), 

Director John Young added: "Our extraordinary company are working tirelessly to create a magical and joyful production that is the perfect for the entire family.

"With something for everyone we hope to give Chester the story of Beauty and the Beast told through magical music, hilarious characters and wonderful choreography." 

For more details on Beauty and the Beast, you can visit here.