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Beauty and the Beast, the Pantomime

Author: Dan Matuszak

Information

Date
13th January 2024
Society
Billingham Players
Venue
Theatre Upstairs, Billingham
Type of Production
Pantomime
Director
Abbie King
Choreographer
Tara Conway
Choreographer
Megan Hanrahan
Written by
Brian Luff

It is always a wonderful treat to hear that a new Youth Society has started up in our region and I was fortunate enough to be sent an invite to their first full scale pantomime, Beauty and the Beast.

Who am I talking about, well non other than the Billingham Players Youth Theatre who is branched from the well established Billingham Players.

Panto is never easy to do but these youngsters took it in their stride, and you could clearly see they were loving every minute of it. As indeed where the audience. It was lovely to hear that they had 2 sell out performances.

Beauty and the Beast is one of my all-time favourite Musicals. Have to admit, to me, it isn’t one that works tremendously well as a pantomime but that did not deter me from the performance.

Leading the cast as ‘Beast’ was Pacey Morning. What a true little gem they have there in Pacey. He is definitely one to watch and if he keeps going with his performing and gets a good vocal tutor, there is no stopping him, I’m sure. His vocals, movement and acting skills were all great.

Brooke Maull as Belle held the audience in her hands with her sweet naivety and was a good fit for the part opposite Pacey.

Frankie Adam as Dame Peekaboo was excellent. Had great comedic timing which is imperative for a Dame in Panto and had the audience in the palm of his hand. Well done!

Imogen Davies as the wicked fairy Elvinia was perfectly cast. She had the right amount of sass to throw at the audience and you could tell she was lapping up all the attention. Mindi Reveley as the good fairy Aurora was sweet in nature but when her temper tantrum came out, boy did you know about it! Well done to both of you.

All of the cast from character roles to the ensemble did a superb job and as the NODA National President said on the night, it was lovely to see each of you with your special facial characterisations. I have to mention the young lady who played the sheep - sometimes it really is those wo don't necessarily have alot to do / say in a show who end up stealing the show! Well done.

I hope that BPYT goes from strength to strength and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead.

Well done to you all.

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