A classic pantomime is a must at Christmas and if you want something traditional, fun and full of great songs then this is the one to choose.
Beauty and the Beast is sharp, has lots of laughs for all ages and the zips along at a terrific pace, something I think is essential when you’re trying to entertain small children. Too many pantos are too long and have too much padding, this one doesn’t hang about and I love it for that.
Sticking to the original story you’d expect, Dan Schuman has written and directed a real Christmas cracker with this one.
Johannah Hetherington makes a splendid baddie, Medeina The Enchantress, who puts the spell on Prince Henry/The Beast, played with a great mixture of drama and sensitivity by Aaron Lord.
Sinéad Mathias – Medeiros makes a marvellous Belle with a beautiful, singing voice and stage presence. She is just the perfect leading lady.
Evil must be countered by good in panto land and Fairy Rose, played by Jodie Corbett, is cheeky and fun guiding us through the story in rhyme.
Ricky Rayment as Gaston is a crowd pleaser as a famous face from the TV, and proves himself to be skilled panto actor, working the audience and showing a fine sense of humour in a very funny part
His mother, Dame Dolly Dumb-Belle, played by Michael Heslop, is a fantastic panto dame. I always think a good Dame can make or break a panto and Michael makes the part his own, leading a lot of the laughter in the show.
TV veteran David Learner is Belle’s father Professor Phillipe Flopp, who has great fun with the part and you can see he is a seasoned professional when it comes to stage craft.
All the cast are incredibly talented, including the ensemble/dancers and the little ones from The Lisa Mason School of Dance. Everyone has a terrific singing voice and an upbeat and lively choice of songs moves the action along. There’s a couple of inspired musical theatre choices too, which especially delighted the children in the audience.
If you want a traditional panto, which is fast paced, funny and full of talent, then Beauty and Beast at the Haverhill Arts Centre is the show to go and see this Christmas.
Beauty and the Beast runs until 31st December – check the Haverhill Art Centre Website for details and to book tickets or call the Box Office on 01440 714140
SUFFOLK THEATRE 