Auditions to find Gareth Gates' pantomime co-star

Auditions are under way to find an actress to play Belle opposite Gareth Gates in a Norfolk theatre's first-ever pantomime.

Co-produced by Gates, Beauty & The Beast will be staged at the Britannia Theatre in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, in December.

The star, who became famous on ITV's Pop Idol in 2002, was joined by other producers and choreographers, watching more than 200 auditionees, with them whittled down to five as of Monday.

He said: "Obviously we are looking for a Belle who can sing, dance, and act, but I am really looking forward to these auditions to see what this amazing area has, and the talent we find as a result of being here."

Gates got his first taste of show business in theatre, aged eight. He will play the cursed prince in the production.

"The audition process is strange actually as you just don't know what you're looking for, you are looking for that sparkle, that spark in the room," he said.

"I feel for them as they are extremely nervous; I know exactly how they feel and I am trying to make them as comfortable and as relaxed as possible."

Brian Graves, co-producer of the pantomime, said people had been auditioning in person and by sending in video tapes.

He said the cast and production team would have 10 days of rehearsing before the show takes centre stage on the pier, which has been named as Pier of the Year 2026.

"We have got an amazing team, some really talented people from the West End coming to us, here in Great Yarmouth," Graves said.

"That was the thing we wanted to do - bring a Belle locally and transform someone's career from obscurity and a chance to become something special."

"Beauty & The Beast is about that falling in love moment... and it does exist, but it is going to exist here in Great Yarmouth twice a day at Christmas."

Sophie Pinsent, one of the people who auditioned for Belle, said: "I think it went OK, I enjoyed it, gave it my all, and that is all you can do really.

"I'd love to be Belle, take on her character, and it is so great as I am local, so to be in a show so local would be fantastic."

Jess Clifton, from neighbouring Gorleston-on-Sea, said the audition "was a lot of fun".

"There is a lot of talent in the area, but I'd like to think I have a bit of a chance," the barrister said.

"It would mean a lot, I have trained in musical theatre for a long time, since I was tiny, so it would be nice to be a part of it and do what I love."

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