Beauty and the Beast, Palace Theatre, Manchester, Runs until February 8 - ENCHANTMENT and magic pour through the doors of the Palace Theatre as Disney brings its own immaculate production of Beauty and the Beast to the stage.

The story is an old one -- a hideous Beast's only chance of breaking a spell and becoming human again is to find a girl who will see past his ugliness and learn to love him -- but has been given the Disney twist.

The stage show musical, which has already wowed audiences in the West End, is based closely on the cartoon movie.

As well as the Beast being under the spell, all the staff in his castle are gradually turning into household objects and their only chance of salvation is if the beautiful Belle, played by Wigan-born Dianne Millington, declares her love for the creature before the last petal falls from a rose.

It is hard to know where to begin in describing this show. The whole spectacle is wonderful from start to finish.

Dramatic lighting and clever moving scenery take the audience to different rooms in the castle, through a frightening forest and to Belle's village.

But the "wow" factor comes with a mouth-watering chocolate box of ingenious costumes -- glittering, opulent creations bringing an added dimension to characters such as teapots, candelabras, feather dusters and even a wardrobe.

music also plays a big part in the show, with touching duets sung by Belle and the Beast (Alex Bourne) bringing tears to the eyes.

Large set piece chorus numbers cannot fail to impress, especially a wonderfully choreographed routine where the staff entertain Belle to dinner. As with all good fairy stories this one has a happy ending with the audience applauding a clever transformation scene where the Beast finally becomes human again.

Children will love this show -- as will their mums and dads. If you only plan to see one show this Christmas make it this one.

Pantomimes come round every year, but there is only one Disney Beauty and the Beast.