Beauty and the Beast is now being performed in Lancaster's Williamson Park in the biggest open-air walkabout theatre event in Britain.

Each summer thousands of people travel to Lancaster to see the Dukes promenade theatre performance.

And this year's production promises magic, mystery, surprises and just a hint of danger, as we are invited to enter the Beast's woodland lair.
Spectators walk from scene to scene to follow the action as it unfolds as dusk descends on the park.

And it's not just the actors who will be telling the tale.

Audience members will also have the chance to get in on the action, as they are cajoled into helping the characters make their journey along the way.

In its 22-year history, the Dukes annual summer production of walkabout theatre has seen Lancaster's Williamson Park transformed into a Treasure Island, Middle Earth, an Arabian desert, Wonderland and the Emerald City to name but a few.

This production of Beauty and the Beast, utilises the existing features of the park to maximum effect, creating two magical worlds for the play's characters to inhabit.

The civilised human world is set in and around the landmark Ashton Memorial, and the dank and dark underworld dwelling of the Beast exists deep in the wooded dells.

With a specially commissioned script and a unique design, Beauty and the Beast promises live music and fire, a gutsy heroine and the whiff of love in the air to amaze and enchant visitors to Lancaster's Williamson Park this summer.

Beauty and the Beast in Williamson Park runs until August 9, with performances Monday to Saturday at 7.15pm.

A British sign language interpreted performance by Kyra Pollitt will take place on August 8.

Tickets, priced £11.50 (concessions available), are available from the box office on 01524 598501 or at www.dukes-lancaster.org.

* Don't miss the review in next week's Guardian.