STUART Wade, star of the Grand Opera House pantomime Beauty And The Beast, encountered more than he anticipated when he made a surprise visit to Knavesmire Primary School in York.
Unbeknown to Stuart and the Year 2 children, it appears that a naughty dragon has photobombed the picture. "Eragon Of York will make a huge impact when he flies into York this winter to make his first stage appearance in York as Yorkshire's only flying dragon," says Wade, who will direct the show as well as play Hudson, the Beast's manservant.
Wade, writer-producer Chris Moreno and co-producer Russ Spencer made their Opera House debut last Christmas with Aladdin. Their Three Bears Productions company now returns with a show that promises to be "the Biggest and the Beast in Yorkshire". "From flying carpet to flying dragon, whatever comes next?" ponders Stuart.
Blue singer Antony Costa's Beast and Lincoln musical actress and singer Charlotte Maclachlan's Beauty will join last winter's stars, Wade, Debbie McGee and dame Steve Wickenden, in the December 15 to January 7 production run. Taking part too will be Home and Away soap queen Lynne McGranger, Ken Morley, from Coronation Street and assorted double-glazing adverts, and Audrey Laybourne, once one of Les Dawson's Roly Polys.
Tickets are on sale on 0844 871 3024 or at atgtickets.com/york
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