Beauty and the Beast - A Northern Theatre Review

This year’s Beauty and the Beast at the Victoria Theatre is a colourful, chaotic, and hugely enjoyable pantomime, bursting with crowd-pleasing comedy, strong performances, and enough audience interaction to leave everyone grinning and slightly damp.

The performers were a real highlight of the production, with (The Dame) Madeline & Frank proving utterly captivating as a double act. Their chemistry was evident throughout, but it was the mop-sloshing scene that really brought the house down, leaving the audience in hysterics and setting the tone for the evening.

The show delivered a great mix of memorable gags, perfectly pitched for both children and adults. One standout moment saw Madeline affectionately rubbing the Beast’s head like a pet before throwing a ball for him to fetch, a simple but brilliantly executed piece of comedy that had my son howling with laughter. It’s this balance of playful silliness and knowing humour that kept everyone entertained from start to finish.

To quote Jack “I loved it when the Dame started making dog noises and patted the Beast on the head!”.

Audience interaction was used to excellent effect, ensuring energy levels never dipped. This reached its peak when the cast turned the tables on the audience with water pistols, sending both children and adults ducking for cover amid squeals of laughter and delight.

Visually, the production didn’t disappoint. The set was impressive, featuring a strong mix of colourful backdrops and bright designs that added to the magic without ever overwhelming the action on stage.

Overall, this was a brilliant pantomime that kept the audience fully engaged and, at times, slightly on the edge of their seats. With tickets still available, it’s well worth getting the family along to share the fun. You won’t be disappointed — and you’ll almost certainly leave with the phrase “Oh la la, Frank!” ringing in your ears.

Reviewers: Davy & Jack Blanch

Cast

  • Andrew Pollard – Dame Madeline Marzipan

  • Cathy Breeze – Professor Potage

  • Matthew Allen – French Frank

  • Neil Moors – Benedict Bourbon

  • Beth Woodcock – Belle

  • Sam Willison – Prince Pierre and Beast

  • Nikki Schofield – Fairy Flutterby

Ensemble

  • Chloe Mae McDonald – Dance Captain

  • Jacob Stebbings

  • Naomi Tower

  • Nathan Christy

Junior Ensemble
Roses

  • Alice Cordingley

  • Bori Denisheva

  • Amelia Dobson

  • Miley Leigh Shackleton

  • Macy Bates

  • Alexia Crawshaw

  • Kacey Robertshaw

  • Madison Clayton

Thorns

  • Sofia Margaglione

  • Lola Eve Rouke

  • Gracie May Mortimer

  • Hallie Crompton

  • Belle Ronald

  • Lily Rose Chambers

  • Oliver Riding

  • Niamh Williamson

Chaperone Team

  • Paige Alexandra – Head Chaperone

  • Tamzyn Clarke

  • Kim Williams

  • Jane Marescaux

  • Pushpinder Sandu

  • James Garlick

Creatives

  • Imagine Theatre – Producer and Writer

  • Rob Marsden – Director

  • Laura Ann Grecian – Choreographer

  • David Haller – Musical Director

  • Toby P Darvill – Lighting Designer

  • Lisa Connell – Fight Director

  • Alec Roberts and Ed Watkins – Musical Arrangements

  • Andy Graham – Sound Design (Orbital Sound)