Panto season is upon us once more and as young and old packed into Hull New Theatre on Sunday evening to watch Beauty and the Beast, the excitable atmosphere among theatregoers was palpable.
As a reviewer, I have been fortunate to watch many such productions at the New Theatre. But would this year’s offering live up to its billing as “The Spellbinding Pantomime”?
Just after 5pm, the curtain rose to reveal a huge throne, upon which sat the handsome Prince Sebastian (Scott Royle) in all his purple silk finery.
Rudely shooing away an old hag begging for help, he soon becomes more friendly when she reveals her youthful, beautiful self. However, his fate is sealed as the woman turns out to be an Enchantress (Sharon Sexton) who casts a spell on him, turning him into an ugly beast.
The spell can only be broken when a beautiful girl falls in love with him – but there is a time limit. As the old hag, the woman could only offer the prince a red rose in exchange for alms, and it’s this rose that is the prince’s only chance of losing his beastliness. He has to find true love before the last rose petal falls.
As the years pass, he rarely leaves his home, Hull Castle, and despairs of ever finding love; his huge, curly horns and hairy moustache are definite passion killers.
But in the world of make-believe, anything can happen, and step forward the lovely Belle (Liv Newcomb in her professional debut) who, dreaming of a better life, finds herself held captive by the prince in his castle; a castle full of magical characters, such as a dancing candelabra and a clock – both formerly members of the prince’s household staff, but now living spellbound along with their boss.
So, all eyes are on the Beauty (Belle) and the Beast (Prince Sebastian) – or they would have been except for the shenanigans of five hard-to-ignore characters joining them on their possible journey to romance.
Mrs Potty (Coronation Street’s Sue Cleaver, making her panto debut at this theatre), arrives on stage in a huge teapot. Then we have Mr Chuckle (Paul Chuckle, best known as one half of the much-loved Chuckle Brothers) who instantly has the crowds doing his bidding, getting us to shout “Hello-oh” every time he sets foot on to the stage.
Equally engaging is Hull comic Jack Gleadow as Silly Billy, who elicits loud shouts of “Hello, Silly Billy” from the audience every time he appears.
Silly Billy is secretly in love with Belle, but so is panto baddy, Flash Harry (Cameron Vear) and it wasn’t long before his stage entrance was always met by loud boos from the audience.
And treading the Hull New Theatre boards for the fourth consecutive panto season is Jack Land Noble as Dame Betty Bouffant – resplendent in the most garish costumes imaginable; think the Ugly Sisters meets the even Uglier Sisters. However, they were beautiful in their own panto-style way.
All of these characters had a role to play in this festive, possible romance.
And yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that, even with the above talents, something was missing in this production.
The stage setting was typical panto – painted scenery such as a winter forest and castle corridors – all surrounded by a wide band of lights around the entire stage. Nothing exciting, but it didn’t really need to be, so no problem there.
Costumes were colourful, again typically panto-style, with the most glorious (mainly pink and silver) being saved for the finale. Again, no problem.
All voices were loud and clear with Sharon Sexton’s singing voice, as the Enchantress, being a highlight.
Comical sketches came courtesy of Mr Chuckle and Silly Billy, with Dame Betty Bouffant adding to the giggles.
All the action was aided and abetted by wonderful live music emanating from the orchestra pit; so that just leaves the script.
For me, it was a bit tired and dated. For instance, jokes about certain areas of the city and nearby towns, have been said for decades now and just aren’t funny anymore.
Those watching panto for the first time with this production might go away having really enjoyed their night. And by the sound of the cheers at the show’s end, it was obvious many people did.
But, having seen many amazing pantomimes at this theatre, I truly believe such a fantastic venue deserves an equally fantastic end-of-the-year show, and, with apologies to all concerned, I don’t think Beauty and the Beast is that show. Spellbinding? Sadly, no.
Beauty and the Beast runs until Wednesday, December 31st, 2025 at Hull New Theatre with tickets available from (01482) 300306 or www.hulltheatres.co.uk
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 14th December 2025
North West End UK Rating: