NORTHERN Ballet’s Beauty & the Beast brings one of the world’s most famous fairytales to life at Southampton's Mayflower Theatre next week.

Set to an infectious score, including music by Saint-Saës, Bizet and Debussy, played live by Northern Ballet Sinfonia, performances run from from Wednesday November 30 – Saturday December 3.

A kaleidoscope of colour and haute couture style costumes, Beauty & the Beast is a treasured classic for the whole family to enjoy.

Choreographed by Artistic Director David Nixon OBE, Beauty & the Beast tells the story of a vain and superficial Prince. Transformed into a Beast as punishment for his arrogance, his only chance is for true love to break the spell – but who could love a monster like him? Beauty & the Beast will take audiences on a journey into an enchanting world inhabited by fairies, goblins and sprites.

David Nixon said: ‘Beauty & the Beast is a classic fairytale of good versus evil, exploring the concept of beauty on the inside and the outside. This is not an adaptation of the Disney version of the story – it is based on the original tale and will embrace the darker elements as well as the lighter moments.’

Tickets are on sale from Mayflower Theatre Box Office tel: 02380 711811 or online at mayflower.org.uk. Ovation Restaurant bookings: 02380 711833