THE magical tale of Beauty and The Beast has been chosen as this year's Halton Council panto.

Panto stars Andrew Curphey and Rebecca Lake in Sleeping Beauty are thrilled to be invited back.

Rebecca, said: "I am really looking forward to playing Belle. It is a role I have wanted to play since I was a little girl. It is like a dream come true. I am already excited."

Widnes actor, director, and youth theatre creator Andrew has led theatre workshops and performed for more than 15 years.

After winning rave reviews as Dandini and Chester the Jester in the last two pantos, he will play French Frank.

"I have loved working at The Brindley," said Andrew, who teaches in many Halton primary schools. "It feels like my second home and I feel honoured so many people want me back. I can promise another glittering show full of fun and surprises!"

The former Bankfield and Cronton Sixth Form College student continues to manage and direct one of the area's biggest stage schools Andrew Curphey Theatre Company with more than 200 children and young people enrolled across evening performing arts and musical theatre classes.

The company, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, produces three productions every year at The Brindley.

Andrew also regularly performs his regularly his one man show A Mic, Music and Me featuring song, chat and plenty of humour.

Former Miss British Isles Rebecca won a modelling contract and has played Cinderella, Princess Aurora and the slave of the ring in recent pantos.

She is also a princess in her day job, working in a Disney shop!

She started training for the stage at the age of three.

As lead dancer with the English National Ballet she performed in a production of Swanning Around at the Royal Albert Hall in London and represented Great Britain at the World Expo in Shanghai.

Rebecca has always loved dancing and was given an amazing opportunity in 2009 to sing with Robin Gibb, Lulu and lots of other celebrity singers in aid of The Prince’s Trust.

Halton Cllr Phil Harris, board member for the arts, said: "We are very pleased two of the most popular stars of last year's show have agreed to sign up again to appear at our Brindley Theatre.

"Why not book early to avoid disappointment and get the best seats!"

Beauty And The Beast, presented by Polka Dot Pantomines, runs from December 10, 2018 to January 13, 2019.

To book call the box office on 0151 907 8360 and online at thebrindley.org.uk.