Beauty and the Beast at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre Review

Reviewed by Tricia Shaw

It’s Christmas time again and that can only mean one thing at the Waterside theatre in Aylesbury: It’s panto time, oh yes it is! This year why not treat your family to tickets to see Beauty and the Beast? You will be sure of an evening full of laughter for young and old alike.

The plot is simple: the once handsome Prince was turned into the Beast by an Enchantress (Beth Doyle) who he refused to help. Belle (Amelia Adams-Pearce) lives with her father Clement (David Alcock) in the village of Camembert in France. One day he sets off to sell his beautiful painting of a single red rose in the city, but he gets lost along the way and is captured by the Beast (Danny Walters). Belle tries to help him escape but is caught by the Beast who agrees to let her father go in return for her agreeing to stay at the castle forever. Inevitably as time goes by Belle falls in love with the Beast and he with her. Meanwhile back in Camembert, Hugo, the town hunk who has decided he is going to marry Belle regardless of her firm refusals, is searching for her. When the Beast allows Belle to leave the castle to visit her father, Hugo takes the opportunity to kidnap her and sets off to kill the Beast.

If you’ve seen the Disney film versions of Beauty and the Beast don’t be expecting to see the talking furniture! The Beast is looked after by the wonderful Andy Collins and La Voix playing Louis Pot et Pan and his mum Polly Pot et Pan. This talented duo is back again this year with their fantastic voices, brilliant ad-libbing and great humour; it just wouldn’t be the same without them! Hugo (Michael Quinn) has his fair share of the jokes although his are reminiscent of the French policeman in “Allo Allo”. As ever there was a good mix of (very) adult and child humour, both verbal and visual. My youngest particularly enjoyed the variety of breads which came out of the oven.

The orchestra consisted of the talented Andrew Woodford on keyboard, Tom Mark on bass and Graham Dean on drums. There are plenty of songs to enjoy including You will be found, Take it from an old man, Old town road, Symphony, Señorita and Shut up and raise your glass. Of course, the Aylesbury panto version of The twelve days of Christmas made its customary appearance along with all the props and audience participation. There were screams of laughter and excitement as the toilet rolls were thrown around the auditorium and at the end of the song the expected water fight that left poor Louis Pot et Pan drenched!

Throughout the performance there were well choreographed dances that were performed by the villagers accompanied by younger children from local dance schools. The costumes were dazzling and bright and I particularly liked the teapot dress worn by Polly for the 12 days of Christmas.

A great way to get in the mood for Christmas or just to spend time with the family over the festive period, Beauty and the Beast is on at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Sunday 5th January.

Rating: 5/5

Tickets cost from £13 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).

Beauty and the Beast is at the Waterside Theatre in Aylesbury from 6 December 2019 to 5 January 2020, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury or call the box office on 0844 871 7607.

Waterside Theatre, Exchange Street, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP20 1UG | 0844 871 7607