THURROCK'S panto Beauty and the Beast has moved into its second week at the Thameside Theatre and there's little doubt who two of its biggest – and cutest - stars are.

Throughout the run of the show, which runs until early January, the cast are joined by two special members, dogs Reggie and Tilly.

They are drawing the 'oohs' and 'aaws' from the audience with their impeccable performances as the canine companion of Belle.

This is Reggie and Tilly's third season with Polkadot Pantomimes. They did Beauty and the Beast at the Thameside in 2017 and then the same show in Barking in 2018 before a break in productions brought about by the covid pandemic.

Reggie.

Both dogs and their owners live locally.

Reggie is a seven-year-old year old Toy Poodle his owner Nina Cooke says: "He is the smartest dog I have had the pleasure of knowing. 

"He is a little superstar and does it purely for the fuss.

"Treats are great but it's about the fuss from people for him, so once he bonds with the cast (doesn't take long!) he will work for the fuss and cuddles backstage!  

"After a four year break in panto, we arrived for our first rehearsal and he knew exactly where we were and dragged me to the door. Once inside the building, he made sure he said hello to everyone! 

"He absolutely loves it when audience members stop to say hi after the shows, especially the children."

Reggie shares the role role with Tilly, an eight-year-old Tibetan terrier .

Tilly.

Tilly's owner, Denise says: "After a friend got Tilly involved in the local production of Annie, which I really enjoyed being part of, I was so excited to see an advert asking for local pooches to come for an audition for the Beauty & Beast Pantomime in 2017.

"Tilly was chosen as one of the doggies who would share the role of Belle's dog. Being immersed in Pantoland was like nothing I'd every experienced before and I loved it. Needless to say Tilly was comfortable on stage, enjoying all the attention and the treats of course.

"This would lead to following the same Panto when it moved to Barking the year after, again sharing the role with the amazing Reggie.

"That was 4 years ago. Tilly, now back in the role, older, wiser and a bit more stubborn and cantankerous but still doing what is expected of her, remembering her cues and lines.

"Panto is a magical place and Tilly and I have met some lovely people and have been made most welcome into the crazy world of show biz."