Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic High School, Skelmersdale, recently brought Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Jr. to the stage. 

The sold-out production took place over two nights and showcased the incredible talent and creativity of students across all year groups. 

The 28-strong cast had been rehearsing since January, attending two rehearsals each week. Taking on the roles of the much-loved characters were Year 10 student Alicia Vicente as Belle, Year 7 student Ollie Sanders as the Beast, and Year 10 student Lacey Lee Lawrenson as Gaston. 

An equally dedicated backstage crew of 11 students attended weekly lunchtime sessions to design, sketch and paint the impressive stage scenery, and the technology team demonstrated exceptional creativity by designing and producing a range of homemade costumes for the enchanted furniture characters. 

Students were involved throughout every stage of the creative process, with many taking on additional responsibilities beyond performing. From set construction and costume creation to operating the sound during the evening performances, their teamwork ensured every aspect of the production ran smoothly. 

Ollie, who played the Beast, commented: “I started at Our Lady Queen of Peace this September as a Year 7 student, and I was so excited when I got the role of the Beast in the school production. I enjoyed attending all the rehearsals and working with the rest of the cast. I feel that the show gave me a lot more confidence.” 

Miss Cawley, subject leader of performing arts, said: “I am incredibly proud of every student who played a part in Beauty and the Beast Jr. The passion and creativity shown by the cast, backstage crew and technical teams throughout the production have been exceptional. It has been wonderful to watch students grow in confidence, discover new talents and achieve so much together. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of this production has been seeing students from different year groups come together and form new friendships. Watching them support each other has been really special, and it’s one of the things I love most about being involved in school-wide events like this.”