St Helens Theatre Royal – until 26th April 2023
Reviewed by Jen Daley
5*****
Regal Entertainments Ltd are nominated four times at this week’s Pantomime Awards in London. And with their production of Beauty and the Beast at St Helens Theatre Royal this Easter, it’s easy to see why.
Writer Liam Mellor’s story hits all the main plot points you’d expect from the classic children’s tale, but weaves in elements of other fairy-tales and panto must-haves with Maria Lovelady’s ultra-northern Fairy Rose filling the role of narrator and fairy godmother. It also sees a hilarious return to the Theatre Royal of Lewis Devine with his high-energy, slapstick performance as French Frank having the kids bawling with laughter, and enough double-entendres to keep the grown-ups on their toes! If you’re in the front rows Frank WILL get you involved, and the frog scene had me roaring with laughter.
Lauren McCrory gives an excellent Belle with a wonderful voice befitting the Disney Princess. Benjamin Keith gives two very distinct performances as the foppish Prince and bad-tempered Beast. Abigail Middleton’s enchantress Madame Botox was deliciously villainous, with a highlight being her rendition of I’ll put a spell on you worthy of the Sanderson Sisters.
It wouldn’t be a pantomime without a dame, and Richard Acout’s experienced performance as Potty Polly is everything you’d want in one – brash, rude and gloriously OTT.
The standout performance for me was Auguste Voulton as Gaston. He’s the conceited, abrasive antagonist you expect, but with added cowardly mummy’s boy as Madame Botox’ son. Voulton chews the scenery in the best possible way and with so many bicep flexes and lunges you can’t keep your eyes off him. Pure Rik Mayall / Lord Flashheart vibes – Woof!
Regal Entertainment’s production is second-to-none. The set design and costumes are outstanding, and special mention must go to Nazene Langfield’s choreography and the dancers from Dynamix, who had my little one pirouetting all the way back to the car.
Beauty and The Beast is the perfect family night out this Easter. So much fun, so much laughter. I can’t wait for Aladdin in December!