One month to go until Beauty and the Beast brings Christmas pantomime magic to Northampton

The countdown is officially on, with just under one month to go until Northampton's Royal & Derngate welcomes its star-studded Christmas pantomime.

Beauty and the Beast opens at the Derngate theatre on Friday, December 4, and runs until New Year's Eve, with EastEnders legend Steve McFadden and Tracy Beaker star Dani Harmer leading the cast.

The production promises traditional pantomime entertainment, complete with elaborate sets, comedy and plenty of audience participation.

Steve, who has played Phil Mitchell in EastEnders for more than 36 years, takes on the role of villain Grumblewart, while Dani appears as Fairy Cupid.

They will be joined by pantomime dame Sam Rabone as Madame Bellie Fillop and returning favourite Dave Bibby as Phillipe Fillop.

Georgia Brierley-Smith plays Belle, Christian Southway stars as the Beast and Prince Henri, while American actor Sage Spiker makes his UK pantomime debut as Danton.

The show reunites Royal & Derngate with Evolution Productions, following previous festive productions Cinderella and The All New Adventures of Peter Pan.

Emily Wood, who is co-directing the production, said: "We're thrilled to have Steve McFadden and Dani Harmer heading up this brilliant cast. Two beloved TV icons together in a pantomime that promises to be our most spectacular and hilarious yet!"

Performances will include relaxed, captioned, audio-described and British Sign Language-interpreted shows.

Tickets start at £20.50, with discounts available for eligible groups and concessions.

For further information or to book, visit www.royalandderngate.co.uk/beauty-and-the-beast or call 01604 624811.