The Belgrade Theatre have announced casting for this year’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast, running from 24 November 2021 – 8 January 2022.

The legendary pantomime will once again be led by Iain Lauchlan as Dame Dolly Mixture and Craig Hollingsworth as the Dame’s comedic sidekick, Silly Billy.

Beauty and the Beast marks Craig Hollingsworth’s 10th anniversary with the Belgrade’s panto, and Iain Lauchlan’s 22nd run as Coventry’s favourite panto Dame. Ruby Eva joins the cast as the titular Beauty, with Sion Lloyd (The Phantom of the Opera, Avenue Q) taking on the role of the Beast.

Returning from the Belgrade’s last live panto, Puss in Boots, are Peter Watts, Miriam Grace Edwards and David Gilbrook. Watts returns to Coventry this Christmas as the evil villain Maurice, and Edwards accompanies him as Maurice’s adoring sidesick, Grub. Gilbrook will star as Beauty’s father, Harold.

Katy Anna Southgate, another Belgrade panto alumni from 2018’s Sleeping Beauty, joins the cast as the magical Enchantress and completing the company are ensemble members Samuel Lake and Louie Wood.

Once again written by Iain Lauchlan, Beauty and the Beast promises to be full-to-the-brim with laugh-out-loud lines, plus crazy costumes and breathtaking sets created by Belgrade Production Services.

Lauchlan said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that this year we’ll be having a live pantomime on the stage at the Belgrade! After a year without live panto, we can finally get together and experience the magic of theatre again.”

For more information and to book tickets, please click here.