Beauty and the Beast The Pantomime

Panto season started with a bang at Ferryhill Stage Society’s production of “Beauty and the Beast” – oh yes it did!  Sorry couldn’t resist!

A real wholesome friendly group, and this was a lovely trip with friendly faces, and I was even given a little bottle of wine with the bar being closed, who could ask for anything more!

The technical aspects were very much used to the groups advantage with ominous atmospheric lighting used to set the scene in true director Josh Railton style and the song choices were appropriate for the fun panto brings.  Vicky Tweddle as Belle was beautiful and I’m not sure I’m ever going to recover from seeing Kieran Watson as Gaston after “Hot Stuff”!  Very well played.  Kayomi Koya can always be relied on to deliver comedy gold and that she did as Lafou the sidekick to Gaston.  Faye Rodgerson played the Beast well, singing clearly and being able to switch between the vulnerable and the gruff side of the Beast’s character.  Mrs Potts was played very well by Elsie McGowan who delivered a lovely rendition of “Beauty and the Beast” and Cogsworth played by Rasheed Koya and Lumiere played by Danielle Beck were a perfect comedy due.  Costuming was excellent also, really lovely well-made costumes complimenting the cast.  Multi-talented Wendy Hindmarch played Madame Tussaud almost a hybrid “Dame”/”Silly Billy” character showing her versatility – Ca Va Bien!

I did chuckle at some of the little additions such as “50 Shades of Grey” making its way into the Beast’s library for Belle to peruse!

There was lots of audience participation and activity with the cast making full use of the ability to enter and exit via the rear of the hall.  Audience games were encouraged, and very much inclusive and I’m sure all of us left with a bag of jellies in our hands!  Even stage crew were roped into the fun and frolics.  The expected “Be Our Guest” was fun and energetic with the three youngers on stage as cutlery absolutely stealing the show.  Technically the transformation from Beast to Prince was very well done indeed and who doesn’t love a confetti cannon finish! (stage crew!)

Choreography by Abby Monaghan was well rehearsed and delivered with inclusion for all cast as well as the designated dancers.  I was a little unsure of the script admittedly whether it was intended to be a traditional pantomime or almost fairy tale like story with some silliness thrown in, but it was a lovely enjoyable night out.

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