Panto Review: Beauty and the Beast (Richmond Theatre)

Review by Rosie Holmes

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The festive season has arrived in Richmond, bringing with it a delightful dose of pantomime magic, as this year’s offering tells the classic tale of Beauty and the Beast. One of the lesser told pantomime stories, despite its enduring place as part of childhoods the world over in its many iterations, but would this version be a beauty of a show or a rather beastly production?

The show tells the enchanting story of Belle, a lovely inhabitant of Richmond, and the Prince who has been transformed into a Beast by a magical enchantress. The Beast must find his true love before the last petal from the enchanted rose falls in order to reverse the curse. The lesson behind the tale is a timeless one: true beauty lies within. But let’s face it, no one attends a pantomime for the plot – it’s all about spectacle and silliness, and this production definitely delivers.

Pete Firman, a seasoned panto performer, is back in his usual comedic role as Silly Billy, Belle’s best friend. He’s a true master of audience interaction, effortlessly holding the crowd’s attention and keeping them in stitches, especially as he invites unpredictable kids to join him on stage. Known for his magic tricks, Pete doesn't disappoint, offering some truly magical moments that left both children and adults impressed. The star power of the show comes from the fabulous Maureen Lipman, who plays Silly Billy’s mum, Mrs. Potty (a fun twist on Mrs. Potts for those familiar with the story). Whilst a name more familiar to the grown-ups in the audience, Lipman’s enthusiastic energy and wit brings joy to all, and particularly funny was her part in a silly tongue twister sequence.

Cherece Richards brings grace to the role of the Enchantress. Although the original songs aren't very memorable, they do provide her with an opportunity to showcase her beautiful voice. Meanwhile, Hope Dawe as Belle and Luke McCall as the Beast make for a sweet, if slightly rushed, romantic couple. Their rendition of Ed Sheeran's “Thinking Out Loud” is lovely, but with the love story moving so quickly, the message of beauty lying within doesn't get the attention it deserves. Jason Leigh Winter plays Flash Harry, the villain of the piece. Though based on the theme of toxic masculinity, his portrayal doesn’t quite pack the necessary punch to make him a truly menacing baddie. The audience, in fact, cheered him during the bows rather than booed – not exactly the reaction you want for a panto villain!

In terms of audience participation, it’s worth mentioning that the usual panto staples, like the “he’s behind you” and the opportunity for boos and hisses were sadly missing. However, the choreography was a visual feast, with talented dancers bringing the stage to life. One standout moment was a dancing ghost sequence that felt rather like a fever dream. Tim Oliver’s lighting design deserves special mention too, particularly a stunning starry night scene that provided a magical backdrop to the love story, delighting the audience.

While pantomime may not be known for its gripping plot or serious acting, what it does excel in is creating a magical experience for young audiences – and this show does just that. For many children, this will be their first introduction to live theatre, and it's safe to say that Richmond’s Beauty and the Beast will leave them enchanted. If you’re looking for a family-friendly Christmas outing filled with laughter, light-hearted fun, and just the right amount of festive magic, Richmond's pantomime offering is a beauty through and through. An extremely sweet show, this Beauty and the Beast is bound to charm audiences of all ages.

Beauty and the Beast plays at Richmond Theatre until Sunday 5th January 2025, tickets and more information can be found here - Beauty and the Beast Tickets | Richmond Theatre in Greater London | ATG Tickets

Photos by Danny Kaan