Beauty and the Beast

Pantomimes are performed traditionally around the Christmas period and like a Christmas cake need the correct variety of ingredients. A good pantomime should have a good basic story with a love interest, singing from cast and audience participation, dancing, comedy, slapstick, behind-yous, jokes that make you groan, a good versus evil coupling and strong distinctive characters.

“Beauty and the Beast” from the Manor Theatre Group had all of this in their production. The innovative and brilliantly written script was by two members of the society, Darren Worsfold and Denn Manning who also played the parts of Molly and Pierre respectively. This was the slapstick element and performed with precision and expertise.  The good versus evil element was provided by Fairy Snowdrop and Evil Edna (Laine Watson and Lauren Smith). The traditional war between these two forces was enacted expertly.

Belle Bottom (Becky Waine) was the love interest of the Beast (Jonathan Hope) whilst also being persued by Farquhar (Patrick Casey), the egotistical obnoxious Lord of the Manor character. All three and their diverse characteristics were played to a high degee of acting. The rest of the Bottom family was Bertie (Andy Bates), Belle’s father and also father to Smelle (Grace Thomas), who was always in the shadows with regards to her sister, to everyone except her father. These semi-comedic parts were portrayed very well. Farquhar’s solo, “It’s hard to be humble” was a real treat.  

The Town Crier (Connor Brannon) needs mention also as he was the one with the jokes that make you groan. The last three of the cast, Prince Trueheart, Dobbin and the Beast’s aide Dan Druff (Anna Bird, Darren Holmwood and Julian Tiley) had less to do than the aforementioned characters but fulfilled their roles with all the necessary qualities. All the parts were supported throughout with a small chorus who reacted to the various situations and enhanced the singing and ambience of the scenes.   

The set was impressive for such a small stage and the sound and lighting executed efficiently. Congratulations to writers, director, cast and crew for an enjoyable and extremely hilarious couple of hours entertainment.

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