An opportunity to take to the stage at a leading Newcastle theatre is currently on offer as pantomime producers plan a Christmas run of Beauty and the Beast.
Enchanted Entertainment is launching 'Search for Belle' - a bid to find a female lead for its show this year at Tyne Theatre & Opera House. And whoever is picked will land what's described as one of the best pantomime parts around and will appear in the spotlight alongside Sugababes star Amelle Berrabah over the festive season.
Following similar hunts in the past to uncover local talents - such as Gateshead winner Hannah Wales who won a lead role in Aladdin - the company's hope is to find a perfect Belle to join the fairytale cast. Auditions are to be held at the Tyne Theatre on Tuesday, September 6 from 11am onwards.
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Local actresses keen for a chance to take part will have to be available all day in case a recall is needed. The role is open to those aged 18-plus and is contracted, meaning the performer will be paid for their work on the show
The successful candidate will need to be available from November 26 until January 8, initially for rehearsals to take place until December 8 and then for the show's whopping 50-performance run which will get under way the next day, December 9. Its producer Guy Pascall said: “It's going to be a fantastic Christmas production and what an amazing opportunity for a local actress to gain valuable professional experience in the panto and to start them off on their own glittering career”.
The panto is set to feature a live band and, again following its success last year, the use of 3D which is designed specially for children in the audience. In the role of Belle, the newcomer will appear alongside Berrabah, playing the Good Fairy, while other cast members include local comics Charlie Richmond and Karen The Mam’s Lewis Denny who will be returnIng to play the Dame.
The show's musical director Jezz Weatherall said: "Belle in Beauty and the Beast is one of the best pantomime parts for an actress to play and we'll be looking for someone that can sing, dance and act to a very high standard." Those interested in attending the Newcastle audition should take along a song of their choice on the day, with a backing track, to sing to the audition panel.
They then will be given some acting sections from the Beauty and the Beast script to perform for the pantomime’s creative team. Tickets for the pantomime are already on sale and are available here.
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