ST JOHN’s on-the-Hill School in Chepstow staged a production of the musical Beauty and the Beast to packed-out audiences last week.

The 46-strong cast, aged from 11 through to 13, put on four performances of the classic French fairytale.

Based on the smash hit 1991 Disney movie, the musical tells the story of Belle, a beautiful and intelligent young woman who feels out of place in her provincial French village. Belle is taken prisoner by a beast in its castle but learns to look beyond the beast’s gruesome exterior, to appreciate the kind heart of the true prince that hides on the inside.

150 pupils from Offa’s Mead Academy, Islwyn High School and The Dell Primary School attended the matinée performance on Tuesday and the school hall was full of parents, friends and family for the evening performances on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Dave Mitchell, Director of Music at St John’s on-the-Hill, said: “Every pupil in the production brought something unique and exciting to the show, bringing their characters to life and giving this tale its own identity. From the wonderful music, singing and acting to the awesome costumes and castle sets, the pupils produced a truly outstanding production. We were thrilled that so many people came to watch our production.”