The Courtyard were delighted to launch this year’s pantomime, Beautyand the Beast this week.
Joined by local press and community groups, as well as Courtyard Board members and staff, The Courtyard hosted a celebratory event where guests enjoyed afternoon tea themed treats and had the opportunity to meet Beauty and the Beast cast members Kate Denny (Bella) and Richard Curnow (Dame Di Gestive).
“It was wonderful to be celebrating the launch of our pantomime in person again.” Says Courtyard Chief Executive and Producer of the pantomime, Ian Archer “We haven’t been able to host a launch in person since 2019 so it’s great to welcome members of local press outlets and some of The Courtyard Community Groups to our recently refurbished building. We’re very excited about this year’s pantomime, which will be filled with colourful characters, glittering costumes, magnificent musical numbers and plenty of panto humour!”
The launch was held in The Courtyard’s Chase Lounge, which was built as part of the 2020 Transform The Yard development, which also saw the building gain a brand new multi-purpose studio, shop and more accessible Box Office Space.
The Courtyard Chase Lounge is available for private hire and can be tailored to all needs, from corporate events and meetings to birthday parties, wedding celebrations and wakes. For more information about hiring The Courtyard Chase Lounge contact foh@courtyard.org.uk.
Beauty and the Beast features several Courtyard favourites, including Madeline McMahon, Ellis Kerkhoven, Richard Curnow, Kate Dennyand Alfie French and welcomes back the creative dream team Estelle van Warmelo and Lyndsay Maples as director and writer.
As part of The Courtyard’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity there will be a Relaxed Performance, suitable for individuals with autism spectrum conditions, learning difficulties or sensory and communication difficulties, on Monday 2 January at 10.30am. There will also be a Dementia Friendly performance on Tuesday 3 January at 1pm (doors will open from 12pm).
The Courtyard Audio Description Association (CADA) will be audio describing a performance on Saturday 10 December at 2pm and a British Sign Language signed performance will take place on Sunday 11December at 6.30pm.
Audiences can expect plenty of familiar references and Herefordshire based jokes in The Courtyard’s pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.
Beauty and the Beast will be in The Courtyard’s Main House from Friday 25 November 2022 – Saturday 7 January 2023. To book tickets, or for more information contact the Box Office on 01432 340555 or visit www.courtyard.org.uk.
