A STRIKING retelling of a classic fable has returned to the The Lowry.

It has been 10 years since Birmingham Royal Ballet first brought David Bintley’s adaptation of Beauty and The Beast to the Salford theatre and their return did not disappoint.

Fate brings Belle’s father (Michael O’Hare) to the doors of the Beast’s castle where after picking a rose he promises to send his youngest daughter to stay with the cursed prince.

Belle (Elisha Willis) is whisked away to the castle on the wings of soaring birds where her initial fear of the Beast (Tyrone Singleton) melts away as she falls for his kind-heart.

The stunning scenery of the frightening forest and eerie castle serve only to enhance the contrast of Belle’s beauty against the beast’s ghastly appearance.

The enchanted castle appears cavernous, with plenty of nooks and crannies to conceal the animals that hide within as candles light themselves and furniture moves of its own accord.

Based on the original fable, delightful twists raise a chuckle from the audience as Philip Prowse storybook is played out with flawless choreography accompanied by the Royal Ballet Sinfonia playing Glenn Buhr’s stirring score.

Belle’s sisters (Angela Paul and Samara Downs) add a light-hearted tone as they fight for the hand of the Monsieur Cochon (Jonathan Payn) while Marion Tait gives a delightful performance as Grandmère.

The young dancers do not let restrictive masks and fur costumes hinder their ability to portray the emotion of the story as they gather in fantastic displays of Bintley’s vision.

Similarly, Tyrone Singleton does not let the Beast’s monstrous mask obstruct a passionate performance as Belle leaves the castle, condemning him to death if she doesn’t return before the last petal falls from a rose.

It is easy to see why Beauty and the Beast is hailed as one of the most popular ballets in Birmingham Royal Ballet’s repertoire.

It breathes new life into a timeless tale and the leaves even the most cynical with a warm heart.

Beauty and The Beast will be at The Lowry until Saturday. Tickets are priced from £21 to £43 from thelowry.com/event/beauty-and-the-beast1.