Star-studded Beauty and the Beast panto to enchant Heywood Sports Village

The cast of Beauty and the Beast

A star-studded line up will tell ‘a tale as old as time’ this Christmas when Beauty and the Beast hits the stage at Heywood Sports Village.

Coronation Street‘s Steven Arnold and Bruce Jones are among the celebrities that will feature in this year's Christmas pantomime, which opens on Saturday 14 December.

Arnold, best known for his role as Ashley Peacock, and Jones, who played the iconic Les Battersby, will play starring roles in a production where the mysterious Beast imprisons Beauty in his enchanted castle.

The family-favourite show runs all the way through until Saturday 28 December with multiple performances on selected dates, and tickets available from just £10.50 per person.

The production has been organised by Your Trust, the charity which operates Heywood Sports Village and other venues across the borough, in partnership with Trio Entertainment.

"We've got two TV soap legends starring in this year's production of Beauty and the Beast and it promises to be a show not to be missed," said Heather Booth from Your Trust.

"Audiences have loved some of our Christmas pantomimes in recent years and I have no doubt that this year will be another special one," she said. "There is no better way to kickstart the festivities than enjoying the fun of a pantomime with friends or family."

Your Trust and Trio Entertainment have worked together on the past six Christmas pantos at Heywood Sports Village and Heywood Civic Centre, and the annual production takes place at the Sports Village once again as the Civic Centre remains closed for refurbishment.