The cast for this year's Christmas pantomime in Carmarthen has been announced.

Theatrau Sir Gâr has revealed the actors who will perform in Beauty and the Beast, which will run from December 12 to December 29.

Last year's panto was seen by nearly 8,000 people and is expected to attract similar audiences this time around.

Produced in-house by the Theatrau Sir Gâr team, in collaboration with Imagine Theatre, the pantomime will feature three actors born in Carmarthenshire.

Steve Elias will take on the role of Dame Sylvia Scrub-it.

He said: "I’m thrilled and honoured to be performing Dame Scrub-It in my hometown.

"Warning – she’s looking for love, a husband and diamonds…not necessarily in that order!"

Mr Elias has had a successful career on the stage and screen, appearing in the original company for Billy Elliot and sharing the stage with Patrick Swayze in Guys and Dolls at London’s Piccadilly Theatre, as well as roles in Holby City and Save the Cinema.

Pontyberem's Carwyn Glyn, known for his role as DJ in the Welsh series Pobol y Cwm, will play the lovable sidekick Sammy Scrub-it.

Mr Glyn said: "I’m looking forward to coming home to the Lyric over Christmas."

Ceri-Anne Thomas will play Belle, and Alexandra George will take on the role of the mystical Enchantress.

Ms Thomas said: "Growing up, Belle was always an inspirational figure as she’s not a ‘damsel in distress’ and I cannot wait to hopefully inspire the next generation of Belles whilst spreading Christmas cheer."

Ms George said: "I’m so excited to be performing at the Lyric Theatre this Christmas in Beauty and the Beast.

"As a young girl I grew up performing with Merlin Youth Theatre and Carmarthen Youth Opera and those experiences defined who I am as a professional performer.

"I am over the moon to be able to come back to the Lyric and share this lovely show."

The cast also includes Neil Moors as the villainous Gaston and Jonathan Alden as both the dashing Prince and the fearsome Beast.

Mr Alden said: "I am really looking forward to being part of Carmarthen's panto this year.

"For me it's so much fun to bring a good story, loads of laughs, festive fun and lots of audience interaction to people at Christmas.

"It's often children's first experience of theatre too, so that's always fantastic."

A relaxed performance of Beauty and the Beast will take place on December 27 at 6pm, and a BSL signed performance on December 15 at 6pm.

Selected daytime performances for schools will also be held in the last two weeks of term.

Full details are available on the Theatrau Sir Gâr website or by calling the box office.

With show-stopping musical numbers, dazzling costumes, and plenty of audience interaction, Beauty and the Beast is set to be a Christmas highlight in Carmarthen.

Tickets are selling fast, with prices starting from £13.50.

Discounted rates are available for groups and school bookings.

Anyone organising a group or school trip to the pantomime can contact the box office by emailing theatres@carmarthenshire.gov.uk for assistance with the booking.

Beauty and the Beast will be at the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen between December 12 and 29.

For ticket information and booking, please visit the Theatrau Sir Gar website or contact the box office on 0345 226 3510.