THE curtain will soon fall on what's been the New Empire theatre's busiest season to date.

While the volunteer staff force take a well deserved three-week break, they'll be re-charging their batteries ready for another packed autumn season.

"This season has seen both a large number of busy family shows, including Oliver and High School Musical, the latter of which had a sell out run of eight performances, says the New Empire's publicity spokesman David Breen."We've also had a great increase in the amount of professional booking into the theatre.

"In fact it is a professional family production of Beauty and the Beast which brings the season to a close".

The show, on from Thursday until Tuesday August 14, stars Paul Cattermole of S Club 7, Carly Hillman from EastEnders, Paul Ferguson, better known as Bubble from Big Brother and Boogie Beebies star Pete Hillier.

This will be the first of two visits from New World Productions, who will be back in town in December to present their Christmas pantomime Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. On from December 7 until December 29, it promises to feature even more famous faces.

Before then there's plenty to keep the staff busy.

"Although we are looking forwards to a break over the summer, we have another busy season lined up, including performances of Gypsy, Carousel and Educating Rita as well as performances by Rick Wakeman, Phill Jupitus and the Backbeat Beatles" says David.

"There is much greater demand from professional companies than ever before, and for us it is really exciting that national touring companies have seen the value of the work being carried out here, and appreciate the venue for what it offers. I think it's fair to say that in the future will bring some really exciting new productions."

The New Empire was first opened in 1998 by two local families the Robertsons and the Baddeleys as a community performance venue. An ongoing fundraising project is taking place to raise the £1 million needed to buy the building.

The theatre's shutdown commences on Wednesday August 15 with the venue re-opening on Monday September 3.

Tickets for Beauty and the Beast cost £12 adults, £11 children.

Beauty and the Beast, New Empire Theatre, Alexandra Street, Southend, Thursday August 9 to Tuesday August 14, 2pm and 7pm, 01702 353577