Beauty and the Beast: Reading’s youngsters invited to add some sparkle to this year’s pantomime

Christmas might seem like six months away, but preparations are already being made for this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

Reading’s Hexagon Theatre will once again welcome the team from Imagine Theatre including CBeebies superstar Justin Fletcher and favourite dame Paul Morse for the annual end-of-year extravaganza.

And the search is on for their co-stars.

On Sunday, June 22, The Hexagon will welcome children aged between nine and 16 (school years 4 to 11) to audition for the Junior Ensemble roles.

And the best thing? No previous experience is required … all the Imagine Theatre team are looking for are children who have energy, enthusiasm and a love of performing.

The Junior Ensemble will have a key role in Beauty and the Beast, as they join the adult ensemble in dance routines across the entire show, as well as helping the cast out in key moments. They’ll sing, dance, and smile across the show.

Three are three ensembles of eight children chosen, as well as some reserves, so there are plenty of opportunities available. The teams will rotate the performances between them, but all teams will need to attend every rehearsal.

Imagine Theatre say they are looking for able performers who show capability in terms of dance as well as performance ability, enthusiasm and the ability to follow instructions.

Steve Boden, Joint CEO of Imagine Theatre, said: “Every year, we hold open auditions across the UK to discover fresh young talent to join our professional pantomime casts. We’re not just looking for technical ability, we want to see personality, stage presence, and that special spark that lights up a performance.

“These opportunities are at the heart of what we do.

“We’re proud to remain one of the few nationwide pantomime producers committed to open auditions, because we believe every young person should have the chance to experience the magic of panto from the stage, no matter their background or experience.

“Many young people who’ve joined our Junior Ensembles have gone on to careers in the industry and it all started with that first audition.”

What do I need to know about the auditions for the junior ensemble of Beauty and the Beast?

These are open auditions for the junior ensemble of Beauty and the Beast, and doors of The Hexagon open at 9.30am for registration.

Parents or a guardian need to be in the theatre at all times during the auditions, and they should bring a completed application form for their child. This can be downloaded from whatsonreading.com. Having the form filled in before the doors open really helps make the check-in straightforward.

In the morning, the children will be taught a dance routine – so nothing needs to be prepared in advance. At a suitable point, the Imagine Theatre team will then announce which children they would like to see for an afternoon session.

Those who are not selected can go home.

At the end of the afternoon, Imagine Theatre will announce which children have been selected to take part in Beauty and the Beast, and parents and guardians will be invited to join a briefing explaining how it will work.

There is no cost to taking part in the auditions, and children taking part do so on the understanding that they will be available to perform during the pantomime this Christmas and New Year.

For more details, and to download the application form, log on to: whatsonreading.com/junior-ensemble-auditions-panto25, or visit www.imaginetheatre.co.uk

When will Beauty and the Beast be performed at The Hexagon?

Beauty and the Beast tells the story of an arrogant prince who is cursed to live as a beast. His only hope of salvation is to find love before the last petal falls from an enchanted rose.

Can village girl Belle see beyond appearances and learn to love a beast?

Last year’s pantomime Cinderella was the first to use a digital set, and audiences will be delighted to know that this is returning.

MORE CHEESELOGS: What we made of Cinderella last year

It will be performed from Saturday, December 6, through to Sunday, January 4.

Tickets prices vary, with school groups starting at £14.50, youth groups £24, and groups £27. Full price tickets range from £27.50 to £44.

Across the run there will be relaxed and signed performances.

For more details, log on to: whatsonreading.com/beautyandthebeast or call the Reading Arts box office on 0118 960 6060.