Lead actors announced for Eastwood Park Theatre's panto

Glasgow actress Chiara Sparks will take on the lead role of Belle in what is set to be the theatre's biggest panto to date as part of its 50th anniversary year. 

Chiara, 26, trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and The Dance School of Scotland. 

Her theatre credits include Mamma Mia!, UK & International Tour, and she fronted Visit Scotland's Scotland is Open global campaign in 2021. 

Chiara said: "I am so excited to be playing Belle in Beauty and the Beast at Eastwood Park Theatre and can't wait to get started. 

"I saw my cousin playing a princess in a panto when I was eight and was desperate to follow in her footsteps.

"My parents would drive me to Paisley from Cumbernauld three times a week so I could attend drama classes.

"I owe everything to them for being so supportive in the beginning. 

"I’ve been performing ever since and can’t wait to spend Christmas this year at Eastwood Park playing Belle."

Meanwhile, Titus Rowe will play Bouffant Du Quiff, the cast's equivalent of Gaston. 

Titus, originally from south Wales, has a string of stage and screen credits to his name, including numerous performances in London's West End.

He runs Rome Now which introduces children to history through interactive education workshops and teaches drama and public speaking to students aged four to 40 and is returning to Spillers Pantomimes for an eighth season to make his debut at Eastwood Park Theatre. 

Titus said: "I am thrilled to be reprising the role of Bouffant Du Quiff and to return to Scotland, where the audiences are always so warm, responsive and welcoming. 

"I think that being an actor is perhaps the greatest privilege in the universe and something that I've known I have wanted to do since I was five years old." 

Beauty and the Beast, by renowned panto producers Spillers Pantomimes, will run from November 24 to December 31.

You can find out more HERE.