A MODERN twist on a traditional fairy tale comes to the Blaenavon Workmen’s Hall on Wednesday, December 7, featuring a host of talent from a Torfaen secondary school.

Ahead of the 2017 live action version, students from Abersychan Comprehensive School will perform ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and is directed by the head of drama, Rachel Jenkins.

The titular roles are played by year 10 students Megan Mutlow and Kai Burton as Beauty and the Beast respectively.

“These two year 10 pupils are no strangers to the stage as they both had lead roles in ‘Wings to Fly’ which was performed at ‘The Congress Theatre’ to local primary schools last May,” said Mrs Jenkins.

The roles of Belle’s father, who strikes a deal with the Beast in the story, is played by Sam Mapstone and his horse is played by Charlie Aherne.

Pupils from year eight – Kieran Knight as Gaston and Sam Allford, Jacob Hartshorne and Rob Jones as his cronies – were also involved.

“These four young year eight boys have brought a lot of comedy to the stage and it is clear they have an exciting future ahead of them,” added the head of drama.

In keeping with the themes of a pantomime, the performance involves a Wicked Witch - Ellie Shortman – and her sidekicks, played by Darcy Whent and Markie Cobley.

Lowri Brown and Emma Goss are starring as fairies while the pantomime tradition of a dame and her sisters has been adhered to with Lauren Williams as the dame and her three sisters - Abbie Lloyd, Jasmine Faudon and Alice Powell.

Another pantomime favourite – Buttons – is portrayed by Darcie Watkins while the dynamic duo of Joel Williams as Lumiere and Jack Holland as Cogsworth will bring a sense of comedy to the show.

The students will first perform the show during the day to a number of local primary schools, before the evening performance to the community, which has already sold out.