YOUNG actors from stage schools across North Yorkshire and Teesside will take part in a touring production of a well-known pantomime.

Theatre Company, AJ Productions, runs stage schools for young actors from five to 18 at Darlington, Northallerton, Yarm, Leyburn, Guisborough and Hartlepool. This year their Easter pantomime Beauty and the Beast is being performed at Leyburn, Hartlepool and Bridlington. The full cast has yet to be announced but the stage school stars are to take part in the tour for the first time.

The junior thespians were told the news last week and are keen to get practicing for their roles in this well-known fairy tale.

Local celebrity Dame, Gary Martin Davis said:“I always feel we are part of the community, so it’s great that our younger actors will be taking part in our tour with Beauty and the Beast, I know they will be just, so good.”

Founded in 2010 by professional actress and director Jacqueline Turnbull, AJ Productions’ highly-trained professional performers have produced shows in more than 20 different theatres across the region. Most of the actors are from the north east or Yorkshire. This latest panto follows on from their successful run of Aladdin last Christmas which made national media after a wardrobe mishap when a cast member lost his trousers.

Beauty and the Beast is on at the Garden Rooms Tennants on Thursday and Friday, April 9 and 10. Tickets for performances can be bought from Tennant of Leyburn or information on stage schools is at www.ajproductions.tv.