IT'S beginning to look a lot like Christmas is just round the corner.

Oh no it's not.

Anyway, rehearsals are now in progress for the Right Angle Theatre Company’s annual pantomime.

Five nights have been set aside in the Volunteer Hall for their take on Beauty and the Beast.

And if it's even half as good as last year's take on Sleeping Beauty, it's not to be missed.

Pulling on the director's padded jacket yet again is long-serving musical director Derek Calder.

And he will be assisted throughout rehearsals and show nights by experienced hands Julie Smith and Gordon Keddie.

Just as last year, Stuart Mitchell will be getting in a spin as he takes responsibility for choreography.

A spokesman for the Right Angle Theatre Company told us: "As always the musical numbers are a good mix of new and old songs with one or two sing-along numbers making sure the audiences will leave with the music ringing in their ears.

"The pantomime itself has, as in previous years, been written by Alan Frayne whose writing always includes many humorous lines."

A cast of close to 50 will take to the stage in December for the five-night run of Beauty and the Beast.

Among the principal roles will be Aimee Richardson as Belle, Tracy Borthwick as Whitney, Emma Wilson as Britney, and Scott Robertson as Alphonse.

Madame Fifi is played by Jodie Millar, Jacques by Billy Rooney, and Gustave by Craig Douglas.

Sam Johnstone will pull on the crown as Prince Danton, Stuart Mitchell plays Marcel, Amanda Blacklock is Monique, and Monsieur Le Fou is played by Julie Smith.

Rachel Falconer this year is Flora with Belladonna being played by Amy Welsh.

Beauty and the Beast opens on Tuesday, December 3 and continues through to Saturday, December 7.

Tickets go on sale at the start of next month, and following last year's sell-out performances it's perhaps wise to pick them up early.

Oh yes it is.