The magical tale of Beauty and the Beast is Swanage Musical Theatre Company’s first ever Disney musical in its seven decade history, and it has proved to be a sell-out success.
Between Thursday 19th and Saturday 21st March 2026 there’s four shows at The Mowlem in Swanage, Dorset, and due to its popularity, all seats have been sold for every performance.
Scenery and set production has been under way for many months
Beauty and the Beast is 71st show
The company has staged a show every year since, apart from during the Covid years, but organisers say the ambitious Disney classic represents a new level for the musical theatre group.
Audiences are invited to step into the enchanting story of Belle, a young woman longing for adventure beyond her small town, and the Beast, a cursed prince who learns that kindness and love can transform even the darkest heart.
The musical features popular songs including Be Our Guest, Gaston, Belle, and the Oscar winning title song, Beauty and the Beast alongside elaborate choreography and colourful costumes.
It’s the company’s 71st show since it was founded in 1953 to produce Merrie England, which was followed by a long run of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
Laura Jolly, right, in the 2018 show Sister Act, is directing Beauty and the Beast
“An absolute joy to be a part of”
For director Laura Jolly, the show is especially significant, as it is the first production she has directed for the company.
Laura Jolly said:
“I joined Swanage Musical Theatre Company in 1993 when I was nine years old, in The Music Man, and have been on the committee for around eight years now.
“I think my favourite production was Made in Dagenham, which I loved – the music is great, and I was lucky enough to play Beryl who is a fantastic character, but most of all, being able to tell the true story of the women of the 1968 Ford factory and their fight for equal pay was very special.
“But Beauty and the Beast is the first show I have directed for SMTC and it has been an absolute joy to be a part of – I just can’t wait until the curtain goes up on the first night!
“Creating a positive rehearsal environment was key to bringing the show together, encouraging cast members to feel safe, supported and appreciated.”
Danny Seldon and Holly Gate take on the lead roles of the Beast and Belle
Holly Gate in character as book loving Belle at The Mowlem
“A really special moment”
Leading the cast are Holly Gate as Belle and Danny Seldon as the Beast. Holly first performed with SMTC in Annie in 2014 when she was just 11, and is now taking on her first principal role, while Danny last appeared with the company in the 2017 production of Oliver!
Danny Seldon said:
“Normally about a week before the show it gets to panic stations when everything comes together and you are trying to juggle costumes, underscoring, working with the set, or wearing boots where you would normally wear trainers
“The sooner you can start rehearsing with props the better, as costume items like wigs, masks, and boots with heels can be problematic because it’s quite a complicated set with lots of steps.
“But the old adage is ‘It’ll be alright on the night’ which has never been truer, and there’s a really special moment when we hear the band for the first time.
“Rehearsing with a piano is great, and we have a brilliant accompanist and musical director, but when you actually hear that band kick in it transforms everything completely.”
Chris Edwards takes on the villainous role of Gaston
“Almost like a cartoon character”
The villain of the piece, Gaston, is played by Chris Edwards, who said:
“Gaston is a borderline comedy part to start with, but turns very dark when he doesn’t get his way.
“He begins almost like a cartoon character, a cheesy misogynistic guy, completely delusional and ignoring what everyone is saying, but halfway through he gets annoyed and starts getting frustrated.
“Then this darker side to him comes out when he starts to manipulate people and ends up trying to kill the Beast.”
Em Fidler plays Mrs Potts, the enchanted teapot, in Beauty and the Beast
Next show will be Our House
The production also showcases a mix of experienced performers and emerging young talent.
Freddie Lovell appears as Lumiere alongside Brian Travers as Cogsworth, while Em Fidler plays Mrs Potts, while her stage son, Chip, is played by nine year old Eli Gurney who is getting a taste for the stage having just appeared in Aladdin.
And once the curtain comes down on the last of four sellout shows at The Mowlem, on Saturday 21st March 2026, it won’t be long before thoughts start turning to the next show – Our House, based on the music of the band Madness.
The chorus line, as angry villagers, in rehearsals for the show
Some of the cast from Anything Goes, the 2024 production by Swanage Musical Theatre Company
Made In Dagenham, Laura Jolly’s favourite show from 2023
Further information
- Follow Swanage Musical Theatre Company on its Facebook page
