Beauty and the Beast

Storyhouse Panto? Lets be havin’ ya!

From the moment Lady Lavender pops out on stage, Storyhouse’s Beauty and the Beast transports audiences into a joyful whirlwind of songs, silliness and festive cheer that is guaranteed to make the whole family laugh. The energy radiating from both the cast and the crowd is utterly contagious and a certified way to get everyone into the holiday spirit!

The story follows the classic fairytale but adds plenty of fun and unexpected unique twists along the way. Miriam O’Brien’s wickedly good performance of Nightshade and Emmy Stonelakes belly-laugh-inducing Lady Lavendar drive the story forward, taking audiences on a journey they think they know, but with surprises that keep everyone guessing. While there are familiar characters in Fromageville, Katarina Zofia shines as Belle, guiding audiences through a heartwarming and hilarious journey to help the town and reason with the beast. 

Intersperred with classic and contemporary pop hits, the musical moments are a true highlight.

Pranav Viswanathan’s rendition of Pink Pony Club had the audience cracking up, while the heartfelt duet between Katarina Zofia and Daniel Browskill on Die with a Smile defiently drew a few tears. Tom Lloyd and Tom Richardson’s performance of I Wanna Dance with Somebody definitely had us dancing in our seats, and offered a fresh, delightful take on these iconic characters. Caitlin Drake’s journey from Man I Need to Manchild had the audience cheering her every step of the way, proving that this production has both emotional depth and comedy.

And would it even be a trip to the pantomine without audience interaction? Oh no it wouldn’t!

Whether it’s announcing Lady Lavendar’s arrival or Pierre finding his next date, these interactive moments make every performance unique, keeping audiences fully immersed and invested in the story. 

Amy Jane Cook’s design work brings the magic to life. The sets and costumes are vibrant, colourful, and perfectly capture the lively nature of the show. Storyhouse also goes above and beyond to make performances accessible. Screens on either side of the stage provide captions throughout, which is a feature I haven’t seen in many theatres, but one I hope becomes standard. They also offer audio-described, relaxed, and BSL-interpreted performances on select dates, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festive fun.

In short, Storyhouse’s Beauty and the Beast is an absolutely brie-lliant time, festive fun for all the family. Yes, that pun was cheesy, but it’s entirely fitting! If you’re looking for laughter, heart, sparkle and festive magic this Christmas, this is the place to be.

Reviewer: Chartlotte Cawood

Photos - Charlie Flint Photography

Cast

  • Poppy Afolabi as René and Onstage Understudy

  • Daniel Bowskill as Beast (Henri)

  • Caitlin Drake as Amélie

  • Tom Lloyd as Grégoire and Judge

  • Miriam O’Brien as Nightshade

  • Tom Pigram as Faby and Onstage Understudy

  • Tom Richardson as Marcel and Pascal

  • Emmy Stonelake as Lavender

  • Pranav Viswanathan as Pierre

  • Katarina Zofia as Belle

  • Alfie O’Connor as Ensemble Swing

Creatives

  • Director John Young

  • Writer Anne Odeke

  • Set and Costume Designer Amy Jane Cook

  • Musical Arrangements and Direction Rebecca Applin

  • Choreographer Christopher Tendai

  • Lighting Designer Aaron J Dootson

  • Sound Designer Kieran Lucas

  • Fight & Intimacy Director Kaitlin Howard

  • Assistant Choreographer Chloe Vickers

  • Assistant Director Clara Carson

  • Flying Consultancy Blue Chilli Flying

  • Set Builders Centre Stage Scenery