FAMILIES in Biggar are being invited to come along to this year’s pantomime.

Running between Tuesday, December 6 to Saturday, December 10, the production Beauty and the Beast is coming to Biggar Corn Exchange.

Filled with a blend of comedy and romance, this panto follows Belle, played by Brooke Harwood, as she finds her prince, played by Fin McGarry-Watson, and finds out what happens when you call a witch ugly.

As The Beast, portrayed by Malcolm Muir, searches for a way to break the witch’s curse, Mrs Bustle does her best to keep the castle in order, and Belle’s father, given a classic panto makeover by Anna Ludwig, does his best to keep Belle’s vain and selfish sisters happy. 

Dobbin the Panto Horse will make a return, and this year’s special guest star, Ben the Clock, played by Freya Stevenson will also make an appearance.

Panto Producer Carole Davidson told the Peeblesshire News: “This has been an amazing show to bring together. We have a new director in Shirley Craig, who is doing a great job with this year’s show. 

“We’ve been rehearsing since August, and the 30 strong cast and crew are giving it their all, pulling together a great set, brilliant dance routines, and the traditional well-loved panto humour. 

“Biggar Theatre Workshop have been bringing panto to Biggar since the 1970s, and Beauty and Beast is going to be another big hit to get the Christmas season started”.

Director Shirley Craig told us: “This is my first foray into directing a theatre show. I thought panto would be a fun way to start, and it certainly is. 

“The commitment that cast and crew have to putting on a great show is amazing. I’ve been involved with Biggar Theatre Workshop before as an actor, and I would thoroughly recommend getting involved with BTW if you’re interested in amateur dramatics. 

"It’s a great way to make friends, challenge yourself, and learn something new.”

Founded in 1971, Biggar Theatre Workshop based at the Biggar Corn Exchange is one of the main sources of arts facilities in the district, allowing the people of Biggar and the surrounding areas the opportunity to participate in live theatre as well as creating a performance and arts venue for local and travelling theatre groups. 

For tickets: Adults £8 and children £6 between Tuesday to Thursday, and for Friday and Saturday adults £10 and children £8.