In celebration of Book Week 2024, which runs from 17th to 23rd August with this year’s theme being “Reading is Magic,” the cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Musical, will be hosting free storytime sessions at two City of Melbourne Libraries. The musical, currently showing at Her Majesty’s Theatre until the end of the year, has partnered with the libraries to offer these intimate readings featuring two sets of two performers, providing young fans a unique opportunity to meet cast members and enjoy the beloved and iconic tale of Belle and the Beast.
The readings will take place at the Docklands Library on Thursday, 22nd August, featuring Hayley Martin (Babette) and Alana Tranter (Madame), and at the narrm ngarrgu Library on Friday, 23rd August, with Jayde Westaby (Mrs Potts) and Gareth Jacobs (Cogsworth) leading the session. Both events will begin at 10:30am.
Children attending either of these sessions are encouraged to dress up in their favourite Beauty and the Beast costumes.
Jayde Westaby, who portrays the motherly and wise Mrs Potts in the Australian production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical, shared her personal connection to the event, saying:
When my son was young, I loved reading to him. As an actor, I did all the voices – I really enjoyed bringing the books to life. Now, our favourite tradition is creating a Book Week costume together every year.
