Beauty and The Beast

It’s back and it’s been well worth waiting for, I am of course talking about the traditional Christmas pantomime at the Sheffield Lyceum, which this year is Beauty and the Beast.

Once again, written, directed and produced by Paul Hendy, it doesn’t disappoint as there is something to please all ages, even the grumpiest of Christmas scrooges won’t be able to resist a sneaky smile or a giggle.

The ingredients for a successful panto are here in abundance: An enthusiastic, talented all singing all dancing cast, ever more flamboyant and colourful costumes, plenty of audience participation from the word go, a helping of traditional pantomime slap stick and throughout the performance fabulous music (if a little loud) and staging. And not forgetting the numerous and humorous local references which littered the script throughout.

However, the key to any successful pantomime has to be the dame, this year in the form of Madame Bellie Fillop, brilliantly played once again by Damian Williams, a much loved regular at the Lyceum.

From the moment Williams came onto the stage he connected with the audience using his ‘Ken Cam’ to select his own love interest for the evening from the audience. His costumes, ever more colourful and outrageous combined with a plentiful array of facial expressions were a delight and helped in keeping the show moving along at quite a pace.

The interaction between Max Fulham as Phillipe Fillop and Bellie delighted the audience. Their comic timing was perfection itself throughout the performance. Fulham, being a talented comedian and ventriloquist was a perfect foil for the larger than life Madame Fillop.

Bessy Ewa was perfectly cast as Beauty whilst the beast /Prince Henri was played to good effect by Aidan Banyard.

Jennie Dale of CBeebies fame, took the role of Cupid, whose task it was to persuade Beauty to help the Beast by breaking the spell before the last petal fell from the rose. She also was the narrator helping to move the tale along.

Duncan James took the part of Danton, rivalling the beast for Beauty’s affections and joining in with the comedic scenes with Madame and Phillipe Fillop.

The small but professional band were placed in the boxes either side of the stage and were enthusiastically led by Musical Director, Alex Turney.

There is something to please everyone in this production, it really is a fabulous show and is guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit with some much needed joy, happiness and laughter.