Beauty & The Beast – Talegate Theatre Productions
Sutton Coldfield Town Hall
Sunday 14th December
By Nigel Gambles
Photography – Studio 55 Photography
Talegate Theatre Productions once again deliver a dazzling slice of festive fun with Beauty and The Beast — a vibrant, laugh-out-loud retelling of the classic fairy tale packed with sparkle, songs and plenty of silliness.
From the moment the curtain rises, the energy never dips. Bethany Oliver brings warmth and poise to the role of Belle, her vocals clear and confident, while Gareth Lord gives real heart to the Prince/Beast, making the transformation scene genuinely magical.
There’s a perfect balance of humour and heart thanks to the show’s larger-than-life characters. Steve Boyce steals many a scene as the flamboyant Dame Cheri Gateau, serving quick-fire wit and fabulous costumes in equal measure. James Bartlett as Gaviscon and Josh Dixon as Franc the Fool keep the younger audience roaring with laughter — their comic timing and audience rapport spot on throughout.
Every panto needs a good villain, and Alexandra Allison as Witch Hazel delivers just that with gusto, conjuring boos, hisses and plenty of mischievous glee. Whilst singing Defying Gravity at the end of Act One, she quite literally does so — soaring above the stage in a spectacular and magical flying scene that left the audience gasping and applauding in delight.
Choreography by Justine Lee keeps the ensemble tight and lively, with Farrah Palmer (also Dance Captain) and Sophie Atkins leading the numbers with flair. The Sparkles School of Dance junior chorus add charm and enthusiasm to every scene they appear in.
Behind the scenes, the production team shine just as brightly. With direction and script by James Worthington, the pacing is sharp and the jokes land well for all ages. The colourful costumes (by Talegate Theatre Productions) and eye-catching scenery (by Dave Law) create a rich fairy-tale world, enhanced by Bethany Knowles’ clever lighting design and Burnt Toast SFX, whose special effects add a real touch of wonder.
It’s a show that truly embraces everything a pantomime should be — fun, interactive, full of heart and festive sparkle. Whether you’re booing the baddie, laughing at the Dame’s antics, or cheering for true love’s triumph, Beauty and The Beast is guaranteed to leave audiences smiling.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A magical, family-friendly treat brimming with energy, colour and Christmas cheer.
