Theatre

Beauty & The Beast At Lyceum Theatre Sheffield Review

DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW

Reviewed by Joy Wright

Sheffield Theatres has a long standing reputation for good quality pantomimes and this year is no exception, though I think it might be even better.

There’s something magical going on with this years production and it’s more than the curse of a bad fairy.  Beauty and The Beast is old fairy story injected with new 21st century humour and dashed with local jokes and rivalry as always. Damian Williams is the returning Panto Dame of 16 years as Belle’s mother.  Damian is well versed in our local politics and gags and delivers reliably in the most improbably circumstances and with ridiculous gags.  As always Damian’s wardrobe is a sight to behold, my favourite is the traffic themed frock complete with flashing lights.

Photo credit: Sam Taylor

Evolution Productions always work to create a superb cast to showcase the on stage madness and many will be pleased to see Duncan James of the pop group Blue.  He certainly got some of the ladies in the audience in the festive spirit in his role of Danton, the not-so-bad guy.  Naturally this was too much to resist for the writer Paul Hendy and there’s some gags about Blue and their chart success.

Jennie Dale, of CBeebies is fabulous as Cupid, bringing Beauty and The Beast together.  She has a stunning voice and absolutely delivered on every note.

Photo credit: Sam Taylor

Credit for outstanding vocals also goes to Aidan Banyard in the role of The Beast, his previous experience includes Les Mis and Phantom so you know he has impressive capability and he absolutely shows that in a wide range of well known pop songs threaded through the show.

Max Fulham is an outstanding comedian and ventriloquist in the role of Phillipe.  He’s got a real variety show appeal and manages many of the big scene transitions with the help of Gordon The Monkey.

Belle is played by Bessy Ewa joining the vocals with Aidan, Jennie and Duncan.  There’s a few curious characters too but I’ll not spoil the fun.

You’ll know the songs and be able to sing along with the in house band who play live through the show and, unusually they play in the boxes to the sides of the stage.  It’s rather nice to see them.

The set is just lovely, it brings all a panto set should and with some super design and lighting to give it some extra magic.

Of course the pantomime is a family show and there were lots of kids in the audience shouting back and really getting into the spirit of things and the audience participation was a step beyond the usual this year.  Poor Richard!
It’s a great way to begin the festive fun and a smashing seasonal entertainment if you go after the 25th.

There are tickets available for most shows though many are limited now.  There’s often morning matinees as well as the evening shows so plenty of opportunities to see the show and prices range from £15.00 to £41.00 and you can find them here: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/beauty-and-the-beast or call the box office on 0114 249 6000

Rating: 5/5

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