Oh ya beauty!

Panto season is bringing Belle to Motherwell

It’s a tale as old time – but it will feature a few new twists when it comes to Motherwell.

Beauty and the Beast has been chosen as the town’s panto this year.

And you can experience the enchanting tale as you’ve never seen it before – with exciting plot twists and unexpected romance.

Production company Spillers Pantomimes are behind the show that runs from November 17 to January 12 in Motherwell Theatre.

Ian ‘Sheepie’ Smith – nominated for Best Comic in the Great British Pantomime Awards – plays the lovable and hilarious sidekick, Lumiere. And Brooke Thomson will take to the stage as Belle.

Production director Bev Berridge said: “Beauty and the Beast is one of our favourite pantomimes and this year we have put a whole new twist on this great story. Our Beauty has something for everyone; it is a love story, but it also has an evil villain, a fabulous comic, some amazing dancers and tons and tons of sillyness.

“There’s a lot of planning gone into this year’s pantomime and we are confident it will be our best ever. The only thing with Motherwell Theatre’s pantomime, the tickets sell so quickly, so if you are planning to come along, then book now.”

Craig Smart, the venues manager at Motherwell Concert Hall & Theatre, said: “We are thrilled and delighted to be presenting this year’s main feature in our annual programme. Our partnership with Spillers goes from strength to strength and each year through combined efforts, gets better and better.”

Following the success of last year’s sponsorship, this is the second year Motherwell Shopping Centre are sponsoring Motherwell Theatre’s panto.

As result of this continuing sponsorship, Arts and Business Scotland are also able to support the partnership for a further year through their Culture and Business Fund Scotland.

Geraldine El Masrour, Motherwell Shopping Centre manager, said: “We are once again delighted to be supporting Motherwell Theatre’s pantomime production of Beauty and the Beast – it’s a firm favourite among our customers, who are already getting organised for this year’s festive period.”

Carl Watt, head of programmes at Arts and Business Scotland, added: “Panto is a wonderful festive tradition and this production of Beauty and the Beast will bring friends, families and communities together from in and around Motherwell this Christmas.

“We are pleased to be supporting Motherwell Shopping Centre’s sponsorship of this year’s Motherwell Theatre panto through our Culture & Business Fund Scotland. Hopefully other businesses in North Lanarkshire will see some of the many benefits that can be achieved from partnering with local cultural organisations and creating new experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

Tickets can be booked on 01698 403120 or by visiting culturenl.co.uk. North Lanarkshire Heritage Centre is hosting family activities throughout October.

Kids can enjoy Halloween-themed fun over the week of the school holidays from Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Ghostly Bookbug brings spooky stories, songs and rhymes for pre-school children on Saturday, October 19, from 10.30 to 11am.

Drop-in Halloween arts and crafts sessions are open to kids of all ages until October 19, 12.30pm to 2.30pm each day. Crafts cost £2.

The Addams Family film will be screened on Wednesday, October 16, and Casper the Friendly Ghost will be shown on Friday, October 18, at 11am.

Halloween Happenings will run from 1.30pm to 2.30pm and again from 3pm to 4pm on Saturday, October 26. This will include games, crafts and stories plus a chance to win a prize for best dressed. The £5 cost includes a goody bag.

Places are limited for Bricks 4 Kidz and Halloween Happenings. Call 01698 274590 to book.