Roo Theatre in Shellharbour is running the popular pantomime Beauty and the Beast until 26 August. The famous fairy tale tells the story of a Prince who is cursed to live in the body of a horrid Beast until he learns to love and show compassion. Belle is an avid reader from the local village who must rescue her father from the castle of the Beast.

The show started Friday 11 August 2023 and will continue until Saturday 26 August 2023 with both a matinee and evening performance on Saturdays. Renne Brighton and Brian McGinn direct the production with Belle played by Lily Savelli, Gallstones by Lachlan Whitehead and the Prince by Samuel Dobell. Well-known Kiama local Darren Parlett has a twirl as Monsieur Ferme La Bouche.

The story was made into a well-known Disney musical film starring Emma Watson as Belle. However Pantomine is a particular style popular in England, especially around Christmas, usually inspired by well-known fairy tales. Beauty and the Beast is one of the oldest and most popular pantomimes created and performed worldwide. The content typically comprises of cheesy puns, suggestive undertones, and humorous anecdotes that appeal to individuals of all ages, particularly children.

The character Widow Twankey from Aladdin is one of the most recognisable characters and usually involves gender-switching as is common in pantomime.

Check out online Sir Ian McKellen in one of his funniest roles as the Widow Twankey on stage!

 While Roo Theatre is in Shellharbour Village it has strong roots in the Kiama area.

34 years ago, Gordon Streek, founder of this organisation, brought his experience from acting in England, including on the popular series Z Cars, to create something special. One of the early highlights was the original musical "We Shall Work and We Shall Live," which celebrated the lives of Kiama quarry workers in a lavish production.

In the 90s, the Roo Theatre company moved to Shellharbour hall after the library moved out.

To buy tickets click here.