HAPS are a local society who have been staging amateur pantomimes in the community for around 50 years in total. Each year they donate money to local charities from the profits of their shows and have given well in excess of £50,000 to a variety of good causes. This year's pantomime, Beauty and The Beast is presented in support of Phoenix Bereavement Support Services. Through other events this year the society has also raised money for Hinton Community Centre who have kindly provided a valuable base and rehearsal space to enable them to put on the show. HAPS is open to all ages and abilities which gives it a unique sense of community and fun.

The story is inspired by the original, but with some exciting additions. The handsome young prince falls in love with the Beautiful 'Rose' before the jealous, wicked witch casts a spell which turns him into a Beast. Imprisoned in the palace with his household staff as enchanted furniture he thinks his fate is set. Until Rose sees the good in him and is able to set him free from the spell. It all sounds very traditional, but with the addition of Beauty's mother 'Ma' and 'Felix' the talking poodle the story has an unusual twist and a lot of laughs along the way.

The show runs from Thursday, February 15 to Sunday, February 18 at The Courtyard, with matinee performances on the Saturday and Sunday. All tickets for the Thursday night are only £10 but are selling out fast!

To book, call the box office on 01432 340555 or visit courtyard.org.uk