STORYHOUSE THEATRE, CHESTER – UNTIL SUNDAY 4TH JANUARY 2026
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN AND BERTIE (7 YEARS OLD)
4****
Storyhouses production of Beauty and the Beast serves as a brilliant testament to why this Chester venue has garnered such affection as a cultural centre. As soon as the curtain rises, the show is alive with colour, energy, and warmth, offering a pantomime that seamlessly blends comforting tradition with refreshing modernity.
The entire cast delivers exceptional performances, but the standout of the evening is undoubtedly Pierre, portrayed by Pranav Viswanathan. With his flamboyant and delightfully exaggerated acting, Pierre captivates every scene he graces. Viswanathan’s impeccable comic timing and fearless approach to performance make him a joy to behold. Audience participation is seamlessly integrated into his character, most notably through his ongoing interactions with “Lee,” a member of the audience. This running gag becomes a genuine highlight, culminating in Lee being invited on stage at the start of act two to assist Pierre with his suitcases – a moment that had the audience in fits of laughter and truly engaged in the show.
Visually, the performance is a true spectacle. The imaginative set design by Amy Jane Cook is expertly staged, maximising the intimate space of Storyhouse while maintaining a sense of magic and expansiveness. Cook’s costumes are equally striking—bold, colourful, and delightfully extravagant in the best panto tradition, eliciting both gasps and laughter from the audience. The musical numbers, directed by Rebecca Applin, are upbeat and infectious, complemented by choreography from Christopher Tendai and Chloe Vickers that ensures a lively pace, keeping the audience thoroughly engaged and entertained.
What makes this production stand out is its strong sense of inclusivity and joy. The humour is suitable for all ages, striking a perfect balance – it’s clever enough for adults to enjoy while capturing the attention of younger audience members. The warmth and good-humoured encouragement of audience participation fosters a shared sense of celebration throughout the theatre.
On this occasion, I was joined by a very honest “little critic” aged seven, whose insights underscored just how remarkable this performance is. For him, the thrill began even before the curtain rose. “I was so excited to go to the Storyhouse – I’ve never been there before,” he remarked, instantly setting the stage for an afternoon brimming with wonder. One of his most joyful moments occurred when the characters returned home from the castle, a scene that clearly resonated with warmth and celebration. However, his absolute favourite part of the show was the dramatic climax: when the Beast “dies on the third day after lasting 100 years and then comes back as a prince.” This transformation left a lasting impression on him and encapsulated everything he adored about the story’s blend of drama and magic. He was also mesmerised by the sensory spectacle, particularly the music and the moment when paper fell from the sky, which he recounted with visible excitement long after the performance ended. From his perspective, the show was nothing short of “incredible and very funny,” a compliment that holds special significance coming from such an enthusiastic young viewer.