Beauty and The Beast

Encore Theatre Company’s Beauty and the Beast delivered a joyous, high-energy pantomime packed with all the traditional ingredients audiences expect – comedy, spectacle, audience participation, song, dance and a healthy dose of magic – while still finding space to add its own creative twists.

The story was framed by the Enchantress of the Rose, played with warmth and authority by Clare Heins. Refreshingly, this was not a wicked witch but a magical fairy and narrator, guiding us through the tale as she attempted to teach the selfish Prince, portrayed by Cieara Coleman, the error of his ways. Coleman brought a strong vocal presence to the role, and her scenes opposite the Prince’s alter ego – the bad-tempered Beast, played by Amy-Lewise Spurgeon-Hill – were particularly effective. Spurgeon-Hill delivered a powerful performance, blending menace with vulnerability, and her vocals blended beautifully with Coleman’s during The Rose, the harmonies soaring with clarity and control.

At the heart of the story was Belle, played by Gemma Crask, whose gentle strength and sincerity anchored the production. Crask’s vocal ability was a highlight throughout, especially in the duet We Belong Together with Spurgeon-Hill, where their harmonies were truly en pointe. Belle was ably supported by her loyal best friend Pierre, the village idiot, played by Matt Gibb, who brought physical comedy, warmth and impeccable comic timing.

Comedy came thick and fast thanks to Gibb’s partnership with Jordan Whipp as the Dame, Polly Potts. Whipp relished the role, working the audience effortlessly and ensuring plenty of traditional call-and-response moments. Further laughs were provided by Spick and Span, the hapless servants, played by Amy Charlotte and Emily Dench, whose double-act comedy and playful interaction with the audience were a joy.

Belle’s self-centred, man-eating sisters Chardonnay and Shiraz, played by Alex Bush and Brogan Mayfield Brazier, were gloriously exaggerated, chasing the self-proclaimed hunk of the village Gaston, portrayed by Michael Tattersall. Tattersall captured Gaston’s swagger perfectly, especially in his treatment of his foolish sidekick Le Fool, played by Bobby Cook. Cook stood out, particularly in One Way or Another, an anthemic moment as the village set off to hunt the Beast. His vocal confidence and stage presence showed just how much he has matured as a performer, marking him as one to watch for future leading man roles in musicals and engaging principal roles in pantomime.

The production was bursting with ensemble energy, supported by a large cast of adults and children who were utilised well throughout. Singing and dancing were a constant feature, with Act One closing on a lively and uplifting We’re All In This Together, and Act Two opening with the infectious Everybody, immediately re-energising the audience. Other musical highlights included a strong rendition of Amazed, showcasing the impressive vocal strength across the cast, and the hugely popular Hot To Go, performed comedically by Whipp and company and met with enthusiastic audience response.

A real pleasure was the inclusion of a live band, which added depth and atmosphere to the auditorium and elevated the musical numbers. Sound and lighting further enhanced the magic, particularly during the seamless transitions between Prince and Beast, which were visually striking.

Congratulations must go to the production team for a slick and engaging pantomime: Directors Sue Sheppard and Jordan Whipp, Choreographers Bev Maher and Amanda Walker, and Musical Director Karen Harris, whose work ensured the show delivered both polish and heart.

Encore Theatre Company’s Beauty and the Beast was a vibrant, crowd-pleasing pantomime that honoured tradition while celebrating the talent and energy of its cast – a thoroughly enjoyable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.

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