Writer: Liam Mellor
Director: Chantelle Joseph
Strap yourself in for some tried and tested half-term panto fun. Non-stop hysterics and giggles which will make the face ache whilst providing plenty of belly laughs for all the family.
The Theatre Royal dishes up its first helping of pantomime fun for 2025 with Beauty and the Beast, St Helens style. There is no time wasted on the whimsical nature of this classic beastly tale and we’re straight in with all the farcical, slapstick and buffoonery expected in this Northern panto land. The production is packed full with all the familiar tropes, audience interactions, rib-tickling side effects, and routines guaranteed to make you laugh and keep you thoroughly entertained. From frogs in thongs to Gladiators, Liam Mellor’s off the wall script is filled with plenty of inuendoes and opportunities for the strong cast to play out and relish in all of its absurdity.
If you’re expecting a full linear story of the beautiful Belle and her Beast, you won’t find it here. Key elements of the fairytale are laced throughout the silliness, ultimately its narrative serving as a vehicle for the incredibly funny Lewis Devine who takes centre stage this time as French Frank. Also back is Richard Aucott as the gloriously adorned Potty Polly and her upstanding sausages. Who, once again doesn’t disappoint with her fabulous, avant-garde wardrobe, which made several members of the audience take an in breath with awe.
The action on stage pulls in and keeps hold of its enthusiastic and audibly loud excitable audience who respond with joy, especially at the several references to TikTok. They’re able to join in with the popular dances along with the sweet Fairy Tik Tok, brought to life by Chantelle Morgan following her recent Theatre Royal debut as Snow White.
Our malicious baddie is in the form as the wonderfully evil Madame Botox, whose wickedness, played by Rachael Wood, was deserving of some more spectacular and dramatic entrances for her to revel in the boos. However, this was made up by the brilliant opening to Act 2 with a Bad Romance/Toxic mash up which was a joy to watch, as she sassed with her son, the annoying Gaston, brilliantly played by Conor Barrie.
Lewis Burrage as the Beast, and Lauren McCrory as Belle, both shine as the protagonists, albeit taking a backseat to all of the daftness. However, both sprinkle the magic with some beautiful duets and moments which created some magical tableaus. Unfortunately, some key moments such as the de transitioning of the Beast back as the Prince is lost downstage, and upstaged by the brilliant Dynamix Dancers.
Directed by Chantelle Joseph, the Theatre Royal continues to reach for the stars and sparkles, as it consistently continues to deliver entertainment which helps you break away from the doldrums of reality. Don’t miss out!
Runs until 23 February 2025
The Reviews Hub Score
Hilarious panto fun
