A dozen members of the Carroll family across two generations are in Bradford Catholic Players’ £82,000 production of the musical Beauty and the Beast at the Alhambra.

Most are on stage, among a talented cast of 54 in their splendid Molly Limpet costumes.

A couple more are backstage, among another 155 crew.

They all made yesterday’s matinee a memorable experience for hundreds of school children.

They came from Bradford and Leeds. Director David Kirk brought his entire school over from Halifax.

For some it was probably there first visit to a big theatre. Some may never go again. But they all loved it – and so did I.

The songs, directed by Sylvia Cowgill, the dance routines by choreographer Jacqui Drake, were a pleasure to hear and see.

Two hours or more flew by, due in part to seamless scene changing and to the main leads – Anne Marie Carroll as Mrs Potts, a singing teapot, Simon Carroll as Lumiere, a singing candle, Paul Chewins as Cogsworth, a singing clock, Katie Carroll as the heroine Belle and Ben Eagle, a tremendous beast with a resounding voice.

The show is on until Saturday. Profits go to local charities. The box office number is (01274) 432000.