A STELLAR cast will be treading the boards for this year’s Easter pantomime at Clacton’s Princes Theatre.

The well loved story of Beauty and the Beast will be staged at the Station Road venue in April.

Performing in the show will be former Atomic Kitten girl group member Kerry Katona, ginger fox Basil Brush and Heartbeat star Tricia Penrose.

Essex’s own X Factor finalist-turned-CBBC-presenter Lauren Platt will also be performing in the classic pantomime.

The stars will be joined by Easter panto comic Ryan Greaves, with Phylip Harries as the dame.

The pantomime tells the story of Belle, whose life in the quiet provincial village of Ooh La La takes a twist after her father stumbles across a terrifying Beast, leading to Belle being taken captive.

It falls to the Atomic Fairy, village idiot Wally and his mum Dame Dolly to pit their wits against the evil enchantress and rescue Belle from the terrifying Beast.

Mick Skeels, councillor responsible for leisure and tourism at Tendring Council, which runs the Princes Theatre, said the panto was a treat not to be missed.

Mr Skeels added: “Beauty and the Beast promises to be another all-singing, all-dancing laugh-a-minute show for all the family to enjoy, and a great activity for the Easter holidays.

“Pantomime is always a firm family favourite and this show – especially with such a big line-up of stars – looks set to be brilliant.”

Last year’s Easter panto Alice in Wonderland, starring Dave Benson Phillips, proved a hit with children and adults alike.

Beauty and the Beast has showings at 2.30pm and 7pm on Sunday, April 14.

Tickets for the show are available from Princes Theatre box office on 01255 686633 or online at princestheatre.co.uk.