Beauty and the Beast is coming to Albany Theatre!

The Albany Theatre

A brand-new adaptation of Beauty and the Beast will open at the Albany Theatre, Coventry, on the 6th December 2025, offering audiences a festive show with a twist. Different to your traditional Christmas show, this performance delves into history, magic and excitement.

This Christmas see a new festive adaptation of Beauty and the Beast inspired by the French novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve.

The Events Coordinator of Albany Theatre, Emily Carleton said: “The themes of love, friendship and magic - as well as the show’s winter setting – make it a perfect seasonal outing for families. But it’s warm and funny too – with something for young and old.”

As opposed to the Disney Version, this adaptation shows the real-life story behind Beauty and the Beast. The story was inspired by the legitimate story of Petrus Gonsalvus, a gentleman in the court of Henry II of France. He was referred to as “The man of the woods” because of his recognisable feature of unusual hairiness over his entire body due to his condition of hypertrichosis. The Original version was much more elaborate including full backstories of both beauty and the beast, Evil fairies, assassination attempts and fortune tellers.

History Vs. Hollywood                                                                                                                                                                 

Carleton added that the show remains accessible and family-friendly despite these historical influences. “The show is child-friendly and filled with humour, as well as plenty of sparkle from our incredible sets and costumes,” she said. “Adults will love the expanded backstory behind the Beast’s curse, which will leave audiences guessing.”

The cast includes Hannah Victoria as Bella, Alex Hargreaves as the Beast, Ellen Chilvers as the goblin queen Rajnhildre, Aisha Taylor and Alice Orlik as Bella’s sisters Nigella and Prunella, Jack Andrews as Wheeliam, servant to the Beast, and Dawn Butler as the Warrior Queen.

Speaking about the pressures of performing in such a well-known story, Hargreaves said the cast’s camaraderie has been crucial.

Alex Hargreaves said: “Being part of a supportive team really helps with nerves and pressure. Knowing that the rest of the cast are brilliant and have your back can really make you feel safe on stage, and fortunately the whole cast and creative team on this show are amazing. We’ve been rehearsing for a couple of weeks now and we’ve been getting on so well, I’m very lucky to be sharing a stage with such generous and supportive people.”