Panto review: Beauty and the Beast – Bournemouth Pavilion

WORLD Cup-inspired scenes and TikTok routines gelled with all the fun of a traditional panto for Bournemouth Pavilion’s superb seasonal offering Beauty and the Beast.

Starring EastEnders stalwart Emma Barton (who played Honey Mitchell) as the hilarious TikTok Fairy Bon Bon, the show was an absolute delight from start to finish with an array of topical references and opportunities for audience participation.

Slapstick humour was in plentiful supply from the super double act of panto dame Polly La Plonk (Jamie Steen) and Pavilion favourite Noel Brodie, who delivered many of the production's biggest laughs and demonstrated a brilliant ability to ad-lib and react to audience shout outs with references to the panto's French setting the day after England went out of the World Cup.

Following the well-known fairytale version of Beauty and the Beast closely, the story was set in the tiny French village of Camembert – which boasted a full ensemble of superb can-can dancers!

The tale begins as beautiful Belle (Ellie Green) is trying her very best to tactfully avoid the unwelcome advances of village hunk Hugh (Travis Ross) who seems to be spurred on even more by her rejection!

Meanwhile her father, played by Brookside and Jonathan Creek star Marcus Knibbs, decides he must sell his prized painting in order to put food on the table.

However, after Belle’s father stumbles on a castle and into the clutches of the Beast (Mark Scott) who lives there, Belle agrees to make the ultimate sacrifice, becoming a prisoner so he can go free.

But enchanted by Belle’s beauty and spurred on by Polly and Louie, soon the terrifying Beast starts to mellow into a kind and gracious host.

Impressive and cleverly designed sets enabled a fluid transformation between the grandeur of the Beast’s castle, the pretty French village, the wild woods and many other scenes. These were boosted by a number of clever, well-placed props and were beautifully lit with festive fairy lights!

Supporting the principal cast members were the talented and beautifully dressed chorus who became everything from England Lionesses to can-can dancers, forest fairies and townsfolk.

With lots of opportunities for audience participation, including a lively dance routine that got the whole Pavilion on its feet, the panto definitely offers something for everyone.

The show runs until 2nd January. For ticket details visit: www.bhlivetickets.co.uk