Beauty and the Beast

Lichfield Garrick Theatre & Studio

Castle Dyke

Lichfield

WS13 6HR

24 Nov 2023 – 7 Jan 2024

I haven’t laughed so much in a long time and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Lichfield Garrick really made me laugh, cry and escape reality for an evening; an evening of song, dance and one liners more appropriate and apt for the older members, but still catering for the younger generation in the audience.

As panto goes it really captures our attention and engulfs us into a land of pure imagination, where good versus evil, the villain is defeated and everyone lives happily ever after. It’s the time of year in the deepest, darkest depths of winter that we turn to something that gives us a warm glow inside as we approach that festive season, bringing together friends and family. Panto has become one of many traditions that we mark at this time of the year.

‘Beauty and the Beast,’ a fairy tale that I am less familiar with at the panto graced the stage with a sense of glamour, glitz, song and dance interspersed with much hilarity, yet underneath the fun and laughter it addresses the themes and morals of kindness over superficial qualities of appearance and what and how we appear to others.

The story of Beauty and the Beast follows a simple story of falling love and as you know ‘love makes the world go round!’ Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont published the story approximately in the middle of the 1700s in France. The young Prince, Prince Henri punished and cast under a wicked spell for his arrogance is transformed into the most hideous of beasts alongside his servants who are also transformed into obscure everyday household items. Through true love the spell can only be broken by Belle, the ‘Beauty’ in the story with whom she declares her love for the ‘Beast’ thus breaking the evil spell and as all good fairy tales end – yes, that old cliché, they all live happily ever after!

Lichfield Garrick provided the setting for the village, forest and castle in this all singing, all dancing extravaganza with scenery that is bold, bright and colourful and smoothly transitioned between the different scenes. With atmospheric lighting adding to the drama at key moments alongside a small live band to accompany what must be seen as a must see show; the ‘perfect panto!’ 

Viewers are advised that some scenes do contain flashing lights and strobe lighting, along with sudden and loud noises!

With a charismatic cast comprising of Sam Rabone (Madame Fillop), Ben Thornton (Phillipe), Kat Chatterton (Belle), Melad Hamidi (Prince Henri/Beast), Jacob Kohli (Danton), Natalie Pilkington (Cupid) and Sarah Annakin (Nightshade) provided a truly memorable, entertaining and hilarious show. With a wealth of talent strutting the boards the audience are in for a real treat with plenty of one liner innuendos and of course the predictable and iconic panto phrases of ‘They’re behind you!’ And ‘Oh! Yes you are!’ 

A very, audience orientated play with some special moments for certain members of the audience (no spoilers here), these moments intensify in the latter half of the performance and will have you doubled over laughing. These intense moments of hilarity work well due to the professional rapport and relationship that is prominent between Sam Rabone and Ben Thornton; each character bouncing off each other and very quick to engage with, and draw in the audience.

Photos courtesy of Pamela Raith

Love is the underlying meaning in the story and the red rose is referred to throughout and this visual reminder, positioned high above the stage plays a significant role in its meaning…the meaning symbolising love and passion. It is thought as the rose slowly withers away it leaves the audience pondering on whether their parting (Beauty and the Beast) and their love for each other is destined to become eternal lasting love!

Belle, played by Kat Chatterton thrilled and held the audience with her ‘down to earth’ character; a character we can all empathise with and her elegance as she swirled and twirled towards the finale captivated every child. A charming role and very well acted. 

That typical finale of every fairy tale where the leading characters get married and all live happily ever after is so predictable yet it always brings tears of happiness to the eye and the scenes of song and dance lift the roof off! The finale was beautifully choreographed, danced with vigour and songs sung with passion. The whole performance was very well received judging from the rapturous applause and the many smiles of happiness. A special mention must go to Natalie Pilkington (Cupid) who was a delight to watch and to listen to, with a powerful vocal presence throughout the performance.

You certainly will be disappointed by the performance! – ‘Oh no you won’t!!’  LOL!!!! Pardon the pun; I had to put that in! The production of ‘Beauty and the Beast’ is highly recommended for bringing some cheer and happiness into your lives this festive season. 

‘Beauty and the Beast’ is at Lichfield Garrick & Studio Theatre until the 7^th January 2024. A very warm welcome awaits you at The Garrick and I would like to thank all involved and wish you all every success with the remaining performances.