This is a wonderful start to the Christmas season, Storyhouse presents a panto with a Christmas twist on a classic fairytale, it is the perfect family show.
I arrived at the theatre full of Christmas panto anticipation, hoping for festive silliness and pleased to report, Beauty and the Beast delivered it with a production that felt heartwarming and was packed with enthusiastic merriment from the rise of the curtain. This adaptation is written by acclaimed playwright Anne Odeke and directed by John Young.
Commencing the merriment is Fairy Lavender (Emmy Stonelake), dressed head to toe to match her name, who comically entertains and pulls each scene together and interacts with the audience at every chance. Her quick improvisations are to be commended; she is vibrant and full of festive fun.
Lavender introduces the audience to Belle, played confidently with sincerity by Katarina Zofia and her sister Amélie (Caitlin Drake), whose vocals are outstanding. They live in the wonderfully named Fromage Village (lots of cheesy jokes ensue) with their father, the village Mayor (Tom Richardson) who has double roles as Mayor Marcel Bernard, Belle’s rather awkward father and human-turned-clock, Pascal, living in the castle with the Beast. He delivers fine performances as both as he capably switches between nervous father Marcel and high-spirited Pascal. While Marcel seeks out Belle, Pascal is otherwise engaged dancing on tables with her and candlestick Grégoire (Tom Lloyd) whose performance glows with comic timing and witty interactions with Pascal.
Beast, Henri (Daniel Bowskill) has only three days left of his century-long curse and is desperate for a final chance at breaking the spell through true love. He has an instant attraction to Belle which is reciprocated and their romance merges the storyline; their encounters blend well with Bowskill’s compelling voice portraying the gentle side to his nature belying his scary looking appearance.
Of course there has to be a baddie in the story and Miriam O’Brien as Nightshade is perfect as the delightfully wicked villain. She is chief mischief-maker and excels with an energetic performance of the baddie everyone loves to hate.
Vocals from Caitlin Drake (Amélie) are superb and there are plenty of sing-along sections of pop favourites such as ‘Pink Pony Club’, ‘I Wanna Dance with Somebody’, ‘I Put a Spell on You’ and K-Pop hit, ‘Golden’, (Musical Director, Rebecca Applin, Choreographer, Christopher Tendai). The sets were colourful and attractive with lighting design by Aaron Dootson and sound design by Kieran Lucas, all blending together exceptionally. The costumes are simply stunning, adding to the visual magic (Shellby Hamer).
A big applause to the whole ensemble and cast whose energy and clear enjoyment of delivering the show shone through plus the backstage creatives who have put together a wonderful two hours of family entertainment.
The audience thoroughly enjoyed the show, joining in from the very start and all went home very happy, ready to welcome the festive season in full. It was a great start to Christmas 2025; it’s definitely worth time out from Christmas shopping whilst visiting Chester.
All in all, this is a pantomime that delivers exactly what’s expected at Christmas and more - giggles, sing-a-longs, solid performances, heart-melting moments and lots of Yule time fun.
Each performance is captioned, with additional audio-described, British Sign Language-interpreted and relaxed performances offered throughout the run to ensure everyone can enjoy this heartwarming, family show.
Beauty and the Beast is at Storyhouse until 4th January 2026.
For details see https://www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/
Reviewer – Anne Pritchard
On – 12.12.25
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