An incredibly witty and thrilling new panto comes to the West Midlands in a production that sprinkles magic and fairytale delights.
Beauty and the Beast is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.
Right, let’s say this right at the start in case there’s anyone who thinks pantos are some sort of festive thing that should be consigned to the past. This production is something so special, something so exciting, something so funny and toe-tapping, that you’ll be rushing to grab a ticket before the show sells out.
Everyone is familiar with the classic 18th century French fairytale of Beauty and the Beast through the many books, cartoons, musicals and even dance shows, including the Disney animated film and live-action remake.
The eternal love story of Belle and her Beast continues to inspire artists, and the latest incarnation of the much-loved tale comes in the form of a traditional family panto by writers Ian Adams and Tam Ryan.
Adams and Ryan break new ground by transforming the story in a really innovative manner that is sure to warm the hearts of existing fans and ignite the minds of newcomers to the centuries-old tale.
The theme of love overcoming all obstacles remains at the core of the show while new material is added to give the story a contemporary vibe which will resonate with a modern audience.
The comedy is zany and nuanced, full of poetic social commentary about the state of the world, and the material is peppered with nostalgic tunes and sensational dancing choreographed by Natalie Bennyworth that had members of the audience clapping along with joy.
There’s plenty of slapstick antics, some slipping and sliding, even squirting and larking about which will appeal to the younger members of the family, and some fantastic and sidesplitting laughs for the mums and dads.
Director Andrew Lynford does a brilliant job in keeping a firm hand on the show and ensures the pacing is tight and pulsating, and no detail is lost.
Writers Tam Ryan and Ian Adams are both multitasking by taking on roles in this show. Ryan performs the part of Joey who acts as the ‘master of ceremonies’ who narrates the tale and cracks one joke after another to keep the audience on their toes. His energy is infectious and it hooks the audience throughout the show. Adams is a barrel of laughs as Madame Fifi Fou-Fou and he revels in the role of a panto dame.
The central role of the lovers is taken by Olivia Mitchell (Belle) and Thomas Lowe (Prince Pascal) and their chemistry is sweet and romantic, especially during the sequences when Lowe is in full Beast makeup which is glorious to see.
The Gaston character, here named Monsieur Le Pratt to avoid copyright issues with Disney, is hilarious and seedy, and many of the children in the audience were laughing out loud whenever he appeared.
Jarneìia Richard-Noel is radiant as the fairy who transforms the arrogant and haughty Prince into a Beast to teach him an important life-lesson.
The casting of bodybuilder Jamie Christian Johal (Giant from BBC’s Gladiators) as the major villain of this panto is an absolute masterstroke. The reaction of the audience whenever this colossus of a man marched onto the stage was priceless. The atmosphere sizzled and crackled with adventure as Giant amplified everything he did which delighted the audience.
The art design, back projections, and lighting were superlative while the costumes by Mark Walters and John Brooking were sumptuous.
This gorgeous looking show is written and produced with real love and care, and the team ensure that every member of the audience, both young and old, have a truly memorable time at the theatre.
Beauty and the Beast is quite simply one of the best pantos of our times.
Verdict: ★★★★★
Beauty and the Beast is now playing at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Sunday 5th January 2025
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