AN all-star cast is set to take on a legendary tale for the Mercury Theatre panto this year.

The theatre, in Balkerne Gate, Colchester, will stage Beauty and the Beast from November 26 until January 15.

Directed by Donnacadh O’Briain and written by Andrew Pollard, the story follows the mysterious Beast who imprisons beautiful Belle in his enchanted castle.

The show will question exactly what it takes for true love to conquer all and whether love really is all anyone ever needs.

The two title characters will be played by experienced actors Alexandra Barredo and Daniel Jagusz-Holley, while Antony Stuart-Hicks will take on Betty Bon Bon.

Dale Superville will play Almondé, Jaimie Pruden has been cast as Spite, Shelby Speed will embody Hemlock, and Nick Brittain will play Toadstool.

A spokesman for the event, which will be performed in 2pm and 7pm slots, said: “It’s a tale as old as time and a panto that will be unmissable for the whole family.”

Tickets for pantomime show range from £15 to £32.50 and can be purchased by visiting mercurytheatre.co.uk.

Alternatively, the Mercury Theatre box office can be contacted by calling 01206573948.