Maitland Gilbert & Sullivan and Musical Society’s latest production of the much-loved Beauty and the Beast is a family favourite. 

Of its 40-strong cast the youngest performer is three and the eldest in her 70s. 

“It’s a family show, we have lots of families,” director Angie Hutchison-Ussher said.

Her husband will choreograph the show and their son will perform in the prologue. 

“It’s the Disney cartoon everyone one knows, the typical fairy tale,” Hutchison-Ussher said. 

“In our 50th year we wanted to put on a well-known show.” 

For Guilherme Noronha, playing the boorish and brainless Gaston, is a slight detraction from his last lead role in the society’s 2013 production of Sweeny Todd.

“It’s fun stepping into a different character; Gaston is different to Gill,” Noronha said. 

“It’s been a big motivator to hit the gym.” 

In the months preparing for the role, Noronha has lost 20 kilograms. 

Maitland Gilbert & Sullivan and Musical Society’s production of Beauty and the Beast premieres at Maitland Town Hall on October 8. Performances will also be held in Newcastle and Dungog. 

Visit www.mgasams.org