FELLAS had better watch it – this is one "Disney princess" who is not to be messed with.

Wantage school pupil Ellie Grieve said she is delighted to be playing the feisty Belle at her school's production of Beauty and the Beast.

The 15-year-old said: "I really like playing this character – she's the first Disney princess to say 'no' to a man and the part is very interesting to play."

King Alfred's Academy in Wantage is putting on the musical production from Wednesday, March 16, to Saturday March 19, every night at 7pm.

There will also be a Saturday matinee at 1.30pm.

Ellie said she enjoyed getting a vocal work-out from the production with Belle's song testing the top and lower register of her voice.

She added: "The production team have pulled out all the stops this year and it's going to be a wonderful show – just look at this amazing gothic castle set."

Opposite Ellie in the male lead is Zindin Khamkhami, also 15, who said his portrayal of the beast would be something like an "awkward teenager".

He went on: "So much work has gone into this production and it's going to pay off.

"The Beast is my first principal role in a KA's production and I'm really enjoying it.

"The atmosphere within the cast and the production team is amazing.

"I hope lots of people come to see it – if they do, they are sure to be impressed."