A tale as old as time with a fresh new panto twist – Beauty and The Beast is this year’s dazzling offering from the Grand Opera House York.
The show took off to a literal flying start as the audience received a firm fairytale welcome – where not only the prince was spellbound, but we were too.
This enchanting storytelling continued throughout, establishing a more cohesive plot-line than you’d usually expect from a pantomime, whilst not lacking in the usual persistent pandemonium.
Beauty and The Beast is at the Grand Opera House York from Saturday 7 September to Sunday 5 January 2025.
Jon Monie has created a fast-paced script offering high-energy performances, with dialogue spoken quicker than Polly La Plonk’s elaborate costume changes. The endless jokes and innuendos were rattled off in the opening scenes, which enabled audience appreciation for the steadier second act where these quick quips had time to land.
And land they did, naughtier than ever before, eliciting gasps as often as giggles with parents hopeful their children remained happily oblivious. However, due to their bold delivery, I can only imagine it made for some very awkward and long journeys home…
Grand Opera House York promised West End talent and wow, did they deliver – with Jennifer Caldwell (Belle), Samuel Wyn-Morris (The Beast) and Phil Atkinson (Hugo Pompidou) this production was in the safest of hands. Wyn-Morris’ vocals were outstanding and I adored his character’s tepid tenderness, and there was no denying Caldwell’s beauty and gumption; they were the perfect principles, bringing sweetness to an otherwise cheeky plot.
And no, I’m not just referring to our villain Hugo, who brought a whole new definition to the word cheeky! However, Atkinson did create a pantomime first for me as he bowed to unanimous applause and cheer, a rarity yet unsurprising due to his show-stealing performance. Atkinson commandeered himself around the stage effortlessly, a flex here or a push-up there, his agility and versatility was unwavering.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a pantomime without a celebrity appearance, and here Tracy Beaker’s Dani Harmer took a trip far from the Dumping Ground to be this year’s loveable Fairy Bon Bon. Harmer surprised us all with a beautiful singing voice too, turning what could have been an act two filler ‘Do You Believe in Magic’ into an audience favourite.
These musical numbers were often backed up by the gifted ensemble, and I particularly appreciated the return of the children’s ensemble courtesy of Dance Expression School of Dance and Lisa Marie Performing Arts.
The excellent orchestra was led by ‘Auntie Arlene’ on the keys, performing chart hits like Chappell Roan’s ‘Hot To Go’ or topical snippets from the new Wicked blockbuster; there was something for everyone.
Whilst the Les Miserables-inspired ‘One Act More’ was a punny choice for musical theatre lovers, it did give an underwhelming end to the first act for those unfamiliar who may have been eagerly anticipating a dynamic high-energy number. However, this did finally make its appearance in the glitzy and well-choreographed (Alex Codd) finale.
Completing our principal cast and the village of Camembert was the bonkers Leon Craig (Polly La Plonk), onstage son Phil Reid (Louis La Plonk) and David Alcock (Clement), with an abundance of silliness (and corpsing), much to the audience’s delight.
The staging, whilst simple, enabled itself to be a playground for mischief and magic; the transformation scenes executed effortlessly by the cast, crew and creatives. The costuming also felt elevated as Elizabeth Dennis ensured every character had a plethora of detailed designs to wear – a favourite being Belle’s famous yellow dress, which was even more beautiful than depicted on screen.
Whilst there are some obvious similarities to neighbouring pantomimes and a lack of intentional physical slapstick, the talent is unwavering and there certainly is no denying the fun this cast are having. They’re relaxed and playful in their approach and this translated seamlessly to the audience – it’s always easy to get invested in a story when you feel like you’re a part of it, and we were invited in from the very first line.
Head on down to Grand Opera House York for timeless panto fun with the talented cast of Beauty and The Beast this Christmas!
Beauty and The Beast is at the Grand Opera House until Sunday 5 January 2025. Tickets start from £15 and are available here.