Disney's Beauty And The Beast opened its tour at the Congress Theatre on Tuesday and was greeted by a standing ovation.

Whether you are five or 85, you will be enchanted by this show.

It transports you back to the heyday of the Disney films and Elizabeth Denniss colourful costumes stick faithfully to the original family favourite.

Charles Camm has come up with some stunning sets and the special effects are some of the best I have ever seen on stage, especially the final scene when the Beast once more becomes a Prince.

Nic Greenshields is perfectly cast as the Beast. He plays it with such poignancy it is easy to see why Belle falls in love with him. Katie Rowley-Jones is enchanting as Beauty and Michael Quinn is excellent as ghastly Gaston who is trying to entice Belle to marry him.

There are some wonderful performances from the talking clock, the candlestick and the talking teapot and director Alison Pollard has achieved just the right balance of comedy and tragedy.

She is also responsible for the first-class choreography and the cast richly deserved the cheers and plaudits at the end.

The score is not memorable but the music by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice is pleasant and easy to listen to.

UK Productions has given Eastbourne a West End show to be proud of and it is a feel-good musical which provides escapism from the real world and allows you to be a child again.

On until April 28, 2005. Call 01444 876060 for tickets.