AN amateur dramatics group will be staging a classic tale with a twist.

Pantoloons, which celebrates 40 years in Braintree this year, said they chose Beauty and the Beast as they have young cast members and it is a child-friendly story.

In this retelling, Rose (aka Beauty) lives with mother, brother and a talking French poodle named Felix in a poor, impoverished kingdom cursed by a witch called Malabelle.

For Rose’s mother Ma, heading off to seek the family’s fortune ultimately leads to meeting the Beast and the story unfolds from there.

Long-time fans of Pantoloons can expect to see familiar faces take to the stage.

Alice Mason is taking on the role of Rose, with the Beast played by Graeme Aldred.

Emma Loring  is directing the play.

The show runs from Sunday, February 18, to Saturday, February 24, at Black Notley Community Association Hall.

Emma said: “The cast has worked really hard over the last four months. 

“The show is funny and exciting with lots of twists and turns. 

“I’m really excited to see it on stage with all the props. We’ve got a lot of people working on different aspects - costumes, props, scenery and set. 

“The show looks really good, I can’t wait to see it in all its glory”.

For more information, visit Pantoloons on Facebook or go to tinyurl.com/2dcrj6aa for dates and times.