DUE to unprecedented demand for the Image theatre Company's interactive production of Beauty and the Beast, the Haymarket Theatre has had to add another performance this weekend.

The extra show will take place on Saturday afternoon, adding to the two already planned for Friday and another on Saturday morning.

This story, the most popular of European traditional fairy tales, still fascinates and moves people of all ages. It has been the source material for numerous films, plays and pantomimes and yet we never tire of it.

Beauty sees beneath the ugly, frightening exterior of the beast and discovers a loyal, loving heart. In so doing, she helps us to connect to a truth in our own personal relationships. Children know of it and adults are reminded of it.

During the light-hearted half-hour rehearsal, some children are chosen and rehearsed into their parts, while the rest of the audience is taught three chorus songs. During the interval, the actors and children are costumed and the show, lasting one hour, then takes place with everyone joining in as rehearsed.

The 30-minute workshop and rehearsal period will be followed by an interval, after which the one-hour performance will take place.

Friday's performances are at 10.30am and 1pm, with Saturday's shows at 11am and 2.30pm. Tickets, priced at £4.50, are available from the box office on 01256 465566.

For more information on the production company, visit the website www.imagemusicaltheatre.co.uk