Pantomime season has arrived once again, and with it comes everything we secretly love about this very British tradition — the laughter, the chaos, the jokes that are somehow funnier each year and definitely older than most of the cast. There’s something wonderfully familiar about settling into a seat surrounded by excited children, amused grown-ups, and performers determined to give it their all. Panto is loud, silly, good-natured, and a little bit unhinged — and that’s exactly why Britain can’t get enough of it.
There’s a timelessness to panto that makes it hard to resist. The formula hasn’t changed much over the decades, yet it continues to feel fresh — mixing big characters, classic stories, topical humour, and plenty of self-mockery. For many, pantomime is the first introduction to live theatre, and those early memories draw us back every year, this time with kids of our own. It’s a shared experience across generations, and in a world that moves far too quickly, it’s nice to enjoy something that happily refuses to.
The Grand Theatre Blackpool’s production of Beauty and the Beast captures everything people love about panto and delivers it with confidence, style, and a huge amount of heart. From the opening number, the show is a full-throttle mix of music, comedy, and spectacle. The staging is genuinely impressive — Andy Batty’s set design makes the most of every inch of space, with a revolving centrepiece that transforms effortlessly from staircases to a balcony, making the final rooftop scenes particularly memorable. The bright and bold lighting by Neil Dolman gives the whole show an almost animated charm, while Elizabeth Dennis’s costumes are simply stunning, adding to the visual magic.
The cast brings tremendous energy. Steve Royle (Louis La Plonk) and Betty Legs Diamond (Polly La Plonk) are the beating heart of the comedy, both experienced crowd-pleasers who know exactly how to work an audience — and how to turn tiny mishaps into comedic gold. Marc Baylis (Coronation Street) shines as the villain Hugo Pompidou, relishing every boo and teasing the crowd with perfect poise and a spot-on (and very funny) French accent. Kitty Harris gives a lovely performance as Belle, both vocally and emotionally, while Ella Williams (Fairy Bon Bon) floats in and out like she owns the sparkle factory. Luke Harley dominates the stage as Beast and delivers a fantastic transformation scene, and David Alcock makes for a warm and likeable father figure as Clement.
The ensemble and performers from Barbara Jackson Theatre Arts Centre deserve plenty of praise too — their precision and enthusiasm elevate every number. Musical Director Sam Coates and his band support the action beautifully with smartly chosen underscoring that adds mood without ever distracting.
All in all, this is a pantomime that delivers exactly what you want and more — laughs, spectacle, heart, and a whole lot of fun. Director Kyle Butler’s vision lands perfectly, and Katie Hill’s choreography keeps things lively from start to finish.
Whether you’re a die-hard panto fan or you usually avoid anything involving water guns and audience shouting, this production is absolutely worth your afternoon or evening.
Simply put — this is Beauty and the Best.
Tickets are selling fast, so grab them while you can!
The show runs at The Grand Theatre Blackpool until 4 January 2026.
Reviewer - Connor O’Beirne
On - 7 December 2026
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