The last time I saw Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at the New Theatre, the start was delayed by 15 minutes owning to “technical difficulties”. Was that, I wondered, because of problems with the complicated transformation scene, in which the Beast is revealed as a handsome prince?

Now the show is revived at the New Theatre, but this time staged by Oxford Operatic Society. However, director Simon Tavener seems completely unworried by any thought of technical problems.

“It’s built in, how the transformation scene happens — we’re using the professional touring show set. So we’re able to recreate the magic in the touring show, but with a much larger cast than they could afford.

“I am Disney to my core,” Simon adds. “I ran their Oxford store for a couple of years, and also I know the show inside out. You can’t do anything but be as Disney as you possibly can with it — that’s what we’ve all been working on during the six months’ rehearsal period. You can’t recreate it for a new generation, or make it darker.”

Playing the roaring Beast is Guy Grimsley. What was his reaction when he first learnt he’d landed the role?

“I was somewhat stunned,” he laughs. “I don’t think of myself as the most bestial person, so I’ve had to get in touch with my angry side: I think the Beast is a little bit like a maltreated puppy. He’s very vicious at times, but you just pet him a little bit, and he’s got a heart of gold.

“I am also having to learn to sing through fangs and latex, which is an interesting challenge!”

Belle, the girl who falls into the Beast’s clutches, is played by Suzannah Brooksbank.

“I think she’s known as the first gutsy Disney princess,” Suzannah explains with relish. “She’s really good to play: you get some nice, tender moments, but she’s strong as well. It’s an excellent mix.”

But if you should think that Belle’s movements are a little restricted when you see the show, here’s the reason: “The skirt part of my frock weighs 25 kilos,” Suzannah reveals. “It’s quite difficult to be elegant and princessy in it. We’ve had to make adjustments to some of the dancing because if I start to spin, I can’t stop!”

New Theatre November 27 to December 1 Tickets: 0844 871 3020 or atg.tickets.com/oxford