Lyceum Theatre, Crewe – until Sunday 5th January 2025
Reviewed by Carla Whittaker
4****
A Magical Twist on a Classic Tale – Beauty and the Beast Panto Will Have You Laughing All the Way to the Ball!
As December rolls around, it’s safe to say that attending the annual pantomime has become a beloved family tradition, one that stirs up excitement and puts us all into the festive spirit. And this year, the Crewe Lyceum Theatre is once again delivering a truly magical experience with its dazzling production of Beauty and the Beast, running from now until the New Year. With a full house on opening night, the theatre was brimming with anticipation, the air thick with the rustling of sweet wrappers, the giggles of children, and the general buzz of festive cheer.
Like any good pantomime, Beauty and the Beast is clearly aimed at a younger audience, but its universal appeal ensures that there’s plenty of fun for all ages. From breakdancing wolves to cheeky adult jokes that fly over kids’ heads, the show’s energy is infectious. Throw in a fantastic West End-style finale, and you’ve got a pantomime that hits all the right notes. Produced by Imagine Theatre and directed by the talented David McNeill, this show truly is a festive spectacle you won’t want to miss.
At the heart of this panto is the timeless tale of Beauty and the Beast, a family-friendly narrative filled with magic, love, and personal transformation. Belle, a young woman with a kind heart, must help a cursed prince find true love before the last petal falls from a magical rose. Along the way, themes of inner goodness, love’s transformative power, and looking beyond surface-level perceptions are explored, all in a way that is both accessible and exciting for children and adults alike.
The talented cast brings this whimsical world to life in grand style. Jenny Ryan, best known for her role as a Chaser on The Chase, surprises audiences with her beautiful singing voice, playing the Enchantress with a touch of elegance and magic. Her vocal talent is simply delightful, especially during the enchanting ballads.
Malcolm Lord, a pantomime veteran with 36 years of experience, brings his exuberant flair to the role of Cynthia Scrub-It, donning outrageously colourful costumes that only he could pull off. His comedic timing is impeccable, keeping the audience in stitches. Similarly, Ste Johnston, known for his roles in The Batman and The Snarling, steals the show as Sammy Scrub-It. His performance is a masterclass in slapstick humour, his village-idiot persona engaging kids with his antics while delivering cheeky adult innuendos with perfect timing. It’s clear that Johnston knows exactly when to let others shine while ensuring his own moments land perfectly.
David Higgins, playing Belle’s father Harold, adds a heartfelt and grounded presence to the production. Hollie Smith-Nelson, as Belle, starts off nervously but blossoms into her role as the show progresses, with her voice reaching soaring heights in the second half. Michael Quinn takes on the role of the charismatic and vain Gaston, delivering the character’s pomposity with excellent comedic skill. Last but certainly not least, James Wilkinson, playing both the Prince and Beast, is captivating in both his human and monstrous forms, bringing depth and humour to a role that could easily veer into cliché.
The set design and costumes in this panto are nothing short of spectacular. The world created on stage is vibrant, exaggerated, and full of whimsy, pulling the audience deep into the magical atmosphere of the story. Belle’s transformation from humble rags to a dazzling yellow gown is a showstopper, with the dress sparkling under the lights in a moment that feels truly magical. The Beast’s costume, on the other hand, is a large, imposing masterpiece of fur and theatrical elements, perfectly emphasizing his wild, untamed nature.
Cynthia and Sammy’s cartoonish outfits are packed with vibrant colours and fun accessories, adding humour and charm to their already larger-than-life personalities. The costumes strike a perfect balance between conveying the fantasy of the story and enhancing the comedic elements of the panto. Amy Whittaker and Joshua Goode, the wardrobe staff, deserve a standing ovation for their incredible work.
The set design is equally immersive, with various key locations like the village square, the Beast’s castle, and the enchanted forest coming to life with oversized trees, sparkling lights, and dramatic props. The grand finale is an especially stunning visual moment, with shimmering chandeliers and rich, dramatic curtains setting the stage for the ultimate conclusion of this fairy tale.
While there were initial sound issues during the opening night, including some screeching and music overpowering the vocals, the team quickly addressed the problem at the interval. Once rectified, the sound was crystal clear, and the music brought the magic of the panto to life. Under the direction of musical director Christopher Bond, the live band—featuring Wes Wood on bass and Dave Griffiths on drums—delivered vibrant, energetic performances. The songs were a blend of contemporary pop-style hits and fairy-tale ballads, with plenty of audience participation, ensuring that both children and adults were swept up in the fun.
The vocal performances were phenomenal, especially from Jenny Ryan, Hollie Smith-Nelson, and James Wilkinson, whose voices soared during the second half. A particular highlight was Ste Johnston’s hilariously off-key rendition of “Sweet Pantomime,” which had the whole audience joining in, clapping, and singing along with gusto.
The humour in this panto is a delightful blend of slapstick, wordplay, and visual gags. The Beast’s gruff exterior hides his softer side, creating comedic moments that feel both absurd and endearing. Gaston’s over-the-top, self-absorbed antics are guaranteed to have the audience laughing at his every misstep. The real comedy gold, however, comes from Cynthia and Sammy. Their adult-oriented jokes and playful exchanges, while flying over the heads of younger viewers, add a layer of humour for the grown-ups without ever feeling inappropriate.
Audience interaction is a core part of the experience, with moments where the actors invite the crowd to cheer, boo, and join in the fun. While there were some opportunities for more audience participation, particularly during certain scenes that felt a little long, the overall experience remained engaging and joyful.
Choreographer Jenny Phillips has infused the production with dynamic dance routines that appeal to every age group. The wolves, in particular, deliver an electrifying performance that keeps the audience on their toes. The choreography elevates the energy of the show, creating memorable moments of spectacle and fun.
The pacing of the production is fast and dynamic, keeping the audience engaged with quick scene changes, lively numbers, and non-stop energy. However, certain acts, particularly in the first half, felt a bit drawn out and caused some moments of disengagement. The action picks up toward the end, leading to an exciting and satisfying finale that wraps everything up in a burst of colour and music.
While the performance itself is a must-see, the overall theatre experience does come with a few practical considerations. Parking at the Crewe Lyceum can be somewhat challenging, with limited spaces available, so it’s worth arriving early to secure a spot. Once inside, the staff are friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience feel warm and inviting. The theatre provides plenty of clean toilets. Accessibility for disabled guests is excellent, with good access to the building and seating areas.
The opening night atmosphere was electric, with families and theatregoers buzzing with excitement. The audience was fully immersed in the world of the panto, reacting with laughter and applause, and enthusiastically participating in the fun. The energy in the theatre was palpable, and as the curtain rose, the joy of the audience echoed through the theatre. The catchy tunes, engaging characters, and whimsical set design made for an unforgettable experience.
Beauty and the Beast at the Crewe Lyceum is a delightful, enchanting, and absolutely hilarious pantomime that is perfect for the whole family. With a fantastic cast, spectacular costumes, and plenty of magic, this production ticks all the boxes for a memorable festive outing. While there could have been more audience interaction in some areas, and the practicalities of parking and bar prices leave room for improvement, the overall experience is one that will leave you laughing, singing, and thoroughly entertained. Highly recommended for families looking to dive into the Christmas spirit!