A SOUTH Devon amateur dramatic group is taking on its biggest challenge in 113 years.

Torbay-based TOPS Musical Productions has £60,000 behind the make or break production of Beauty and the Beast, which takes place at the Princess Theatre in Torquay later this month.

Three 40-ton articulated lorries will deliver the massive set, costumes and props, which include wigs specially commissioned to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Chairman Jeane Frost said: "At a cost of nearly £60,000 the society has spared no expense in creating a stunning show that has everything the professional version had including the spectacular costumes, exciting lighting, pyrotechnics and a few other surprises.

"It is the biggest event of the year in Torbay's amateur theatre calendar and should not be missed."

Director Sarah O'Connor has pulled out all the stops and has taken the rehearsal process far beyond the norm, to ensure that the end product is as professional and as entertaining as possible.

She said: "This a massive show in terms of its technical requirements. Flying enchantresses and magical transformation scenes, mean that it is probably the most difficult show technically, that an amateur company in Torbay has produced."

The production runs from September 21 to 25.

For more on the massive effort being pored into the show see today's What's On.