What a wonderful sight, a packed auditorium full of all age groups, laughing, engaging and experiencing collectively – a tradition that spans the generations – Pantomime! Well, as Sheffield Theatres have opened their panto season, it is well and truly Christmas in Yorkshire! This year’s excellent new production being Beauty and the Beast, written by Paul Hendry who can heroically claim his 17th year of directing writing and producing Sheffield’s panto. The script contains all the expected pantomime traditions from the audience participation, the ‘it’s behind you’ scene in the dark woods and the manic ‘messy’ comedy mayhem and some very funny moments which are very geographically and topically observant. ‘Woodseats’ is now firmly on the panto map and never has it looked so effortlessly grandiose. Pantomime at its best, you leave with aching cheeks from smiling none stop for two and a half hours and sore ribs from laughing out loud! Even the most arduous non conformists where playing the ‘air’ trombone by the finale!
The Set, designed by Morgan Large was just right – both functional and far more in keeping with traditional pantomime then the overly lavish sets of previous years. The costumes were detailed and gloriously fresh and gave the audience a narrative of the characters on stage with a further reason to focus on the cast at all times. Both lighting (Jack Weir) and sound (Nick Greenhill) worked seamlessly and simultaneously to give atmosphere and ambience to the slick production. The band are not involved in the action on stage this year but are positioned inclusively in the boxes around the auditorium. Musical Director/Keys Alex Turney overcomes any problems this may cause with ease and the band sound well.
The ensemble of Hollie Duncan, Luke Cartledge, Ronnie Burden, Lavinia Mai, Rhys Wyn-Owen and Shona Mairi Masson are used to a greater effect than previously, singing live backup vocals and characterising the named objects within the Beast’s castle. Their choreography by Sarah Langley was snappy, expected and well executed.
However, there are a few notable changes to this year’s production – Firstly, no children on stage – neither in the cast as performers or as birthday shout outs from the audience. This is one element I personally missed in the show, however, one (un)lucky member of the audience is chosen to be the Ken to the Dame’s Barbie! And secondly, no baddy to boo! Both the Beast and Danton (copyright doesn’t allow the name Gaston to be used) have elements of the ‘nasty’ in them but both follow the story’s moral – anyone can change! Danton played by the star vehicle Blue’s Duncan James is instead, very funny in role as the arrogant hunk (a throwback to his Franknfurter days is evident), who is quite perplexed at Belle’s (Bessy Ewa) refusal to date him. His vocals are strong particularly in the rewrite of ‘I’m Just Ken’ which he milked, and the audience loved. Not all the songs seemed to sit comfortably with Danton or Belle’s vocal range, and both have some serious vocals to match on stage particularly Aidan Banyard’s Beast; with his Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera pedigree; and Jennie Dale’s (CBBC’s and West End fame) powerhouse performance as the good fairy Cupid. Dale’s Cupid has the audience engrossed from the very opening, her backstory of how the Beast came to be so uses video footage on the skim and takes us right into the story. All four principal roles looked to be having a ball up there and worked with gusto to entertain the engrossed audience.
So, to the real pantomime stars of the show – the comedy duo of Max Fulham (ventriloquist and stand-up comedian) as Belle’s brother Phillipe Fillop and Sheffield panto veteran Damian Williams as the Dame, Madame Bellie Fillop. The pair are pure gold together, they bounce off each other with natural warmth and appreciation. Their antics are hilarious, and both are extremely likeable. Fulham’s physicality in slapstick is blessed with perfect comic timing and his ventriloquist skills are very impressive – an effortless performer. Williams; as a Dame should; totally commands the scene and is just a tinderbox of dry humour. Please watch out for the routine with the two of them and Danton telling a story in film titles… it shows both dedication, endless hours of rehearsal and pure delivered genius!
I have to confess, I am not a massive pantomime fan, but…. ‘by ‘eck’, I could watch this every night until it’s closing date of 7th January 2024 and still want to see it again! I loved every minute of it, the evening flew passed and I left the theatre with a feeling of euphoria.
Sheffield Theatres I salute you – slick, silly Panto perfection! Escapism at its best, long live your wonderful panto tradition. https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 12th December 2023
North West End UK Rating: