Beauty and the Beast with a French twist

A panto version of Beauty and the Beast runs at Birnam Arts from December 1 to 3.

Performed by the Birnam Institute Players, it tells the story of a young girl, a bewitched prince, a cross-dressing “Ma”, and a giant French poodle called Felix.

Join the gang for French fun and frolics (for as long as the accents hold up) as Rose and brother Jacques hopelessly try to train Felix – who has some curiously human traits – and meet uber-strong blacksmith Capucine.

After evil witch Malabelle is spurned by the handsome prince, Ma and then Rose traipse through a dark forest to a remote castle full of furniture – where they eventually find the beast.

Can Rose see beyond the monster to save her captor? Can Ma carry off pretending to be a man?

The fast-paced show has a live band, with singalongs including 500 Miles, Let It Go, and Dancing in the Street.